By CHILA NAMAIKO –
THREE police officers in Choma, who allegedly killed a 32-year-old man on New Year’s Day during a patrol, yesterday appeared in the Choma Magistrate’s Court for mention on a murder charge.
Cleris Muleya, a carpenter and father of four children of Kamuza area in Choma sustained bullet wounds on his left leg and later died.
His colleague, Lweendo Mutukula, 32, of the same area is battling for his life at Choma General Hospital after being shot at by the officers at his house.
The police officers are Paul Nabuzoka, 21, a constable of Choma Central Police Station, Lee Beensi, 34, a constable of Overspill Township, and Grander Mazabuka, 35, a reservist of Mwapona Township.
The trio appeared before Choma Magistrate Willies Sinyangwe at 10:00 hours amid tight security from their armed counterparts as they were taken into the packed courtroom.
Magistrate Sinyangwe told the trio that they were charged with murder contrary to section 200 Cap 57 of the Laws of Zambia for killing Mr Muleya.
“Jointly and whilst acting together, you did murder Mr Muleya of Kamuza area in the Choma District,” he said.
Magistrate Sinyangwe asked the three officers whether they understood the charge and they responded that they did.
He, however, told them that they could not take plea because the court was still waiting for instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The magistrate said the trio would remain in custody and appear for mention on January 16, 2014.
Scores of residents jostled to catch a glimpse of the officers who were in a shocked mood.
The shooting incident happened around 01:00 hours at Vinthu Mufumbenge Bottle Store owned by Joseph Kapila, a local business executive.
A Toyota Land Cruiser, registration number ZP 225B, had its windscreen damaged by some incensed members of the public.
Southern Province Police Chief Charity Katanga said police on Wednesday, around 09:00 hours, received a report on Mr Muleya who had died from the bullet wounds he sustained during the shooting incident.
She said empty cartridges were found near the deceased’s body and that the police officer, Mr Nabuzoka was arrested on Wednesday and charged with murder in connection with the shooting.
Southern Province Minister Daniel Munkombwe condemned the incident and demanded for a report from Ms Katanga. The minister, who visited Mr Mutukula in his hospital ward, described the shooting as unfortunate.
Mr Mutukula told the minister that he was at the bottle store but decided to go back home around 01:00 hours and a few minutes after he entered his house, a police officer knocked at his door and when he opened it, the officer opened fire.
