By KASONDE KASONDE –
A MAN of Lusaka has been sentenced to death by hanging for shooting dead his father following their troubled relationship.
Emmanuel Kamuchele, 26, was sentenced to death by Kabwe High Court Judge in-Charge Mwiinde Siavwapa because it was beyond reasonable doubt that it was his gun that killed his father.
Mr Justice Siavwapa said during trial it was established that Paul Kamuchele was shot dead and empty ammunition was recovered at the scene of crime that were similar to those that was recovered at Emmanuel’s house, as well as a gun.
“I have carefully considered the evidence before court and I am unable to find any reason to avoid the mandatory sentence. I, therefore, sentence you to death and order that you hang by the neck till pronounced dead,” Mr Justice Siavwapa said.
Emmanuel had been charged with murder after he was accused of killing his father (Mr Kamuchele), a retired officer in the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) in Mumbwa District on December 29, 2013.
He had travelled to Mumbwa on December 27 to reconcile with his father and on December 29, 2014 his father gave him a lift so that he could board a bus back to Lusaka.
It is alleged that on the way to the bus station, Emmanuel shot dead his father and dumped his body in the bush and left for Lusaka.
Emmanuel’s mother, Maleby Namuyembe, told the court that when her husband left the house on December 29, she did not see him, as she was in another room.
Ms Namuyembe said her husband left for work on Friday and did not return on Sunday as he normally did although she did not take any action as she thought he was spending more time at his plot where he was opening up a garage.
Three police officers testified in the case and told the court that they were lead to the scene of the crime by Emmanuel.
During defence, Emmanuel did not bring in any witnesses but gave evidence on oath and insisted that he did not kill his father.