Chief Kasoma Lwela of the Ushi people of Chembe in Luapula Province has been sentenced to three years imprisonment with hard labour for manslaughter.
Rasford Chita 56 who is Chief Kasoma Lwela, appeared before High Judge Mubanga Kondolo with four others ,Albert Matobwe 44, Nicodimas Kalumbwa 73, Venn Chilufya 60 and Luka Chilufya 58 all charged with manslaughter.
On November 4, 2014, Chief Kasoma Lwela and the four other persons caused the death of Bishili Ngandwe.
The chief had summoned Ngandwe to his palace, where he was accused of practicing witchcraft.
The chief later ordered his subjects to tie Ngandwe’s hands and legs to a pole before whipping him.
In mitigation, the lawyer representing the chief and others pleaded with the court to be lenient with the five because they are first offenders and are remorseful.
He said his clients had learnt their lessons while in prison and asked for a second chance in life to be better people in society.
Mr Justice Kondolo sentenced the other co-accused persons Albert Matobwe, Nicodimus Kalumbwa, Venn Chilufya and Luka Chilufya to three years suspended sentences each. – ZANIS
