Seven of Nine Accused in Mumbwa Riots Plead Guilty and Receive Sentences

Seven of the nine accused persons who appeared in court on September 22, 2023, pleaded guilty to the offenses they were facing in connection to the Mumbwa riots. They have been sentenced to five years of imprisonment with hard labor for male individuals and simple imprisonment for female individuals.

In a statement issued by Rae Hamoonga, the police spokesperson, Chris Makepeshi, M/Pethias Chikwanda, M/Mponga Mweemba, and Matildah Tabulo have all been convicted of theft and sentenced to five years of imprisonment. Nelson Michelo, aged 26 of Phiri and Sons Compound in Mumbwa District, has been charged with housebreaking and theft and sentenced to five years of imprisonment. 

Bright Matepeta and Elizabeth Kayawe, who were found guilty of breaking into a building and committing a felony therein, have also been sentenced to five years of imprisonment.

Meanwhile, Caesar Phiri, who was jointly charged with the now-convicts for the offense of theft, has denied the charge, and trial will commence on October 2, 2023. Another accused person, Mapenzi Situmbeko, who was jointly charged with the now-convicts for breaking into a building and committing a felony therein, denied the charge as well, and trial will commence on October 2, 2023. The matter was before Honourable Philip Mpundu of Mumbwa Magistrate Court.