Taxi driver jailed 20 years
By Staff Reporter
Chipata High Court has sentenced a taxi driver for 20 years imprisonment with hard labour for acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm.
Lusaka Judge Sharon Newa sitting in Chipata for criminal sessions, jailed Augustine Zulu 26 and acquitted his co-accused Lottie Phiri after finding him with no case to answer.
Facts of the matter are that the duo on 27th July 2016 in Chipata jointly and whilst acting together with intent to maim, disfigure or disable unlawfully did wound and cause grievous bodily harm to Lee Benjamin Chakupalesa.
The state called 10 witnesses while the accused called two witnesses each in their defence.
But in her judgment Judge Newa said there was insufficient evidence connecting Phiri 33, a businessman of Chipata to the offence and acquitted him.
On Zulu, Judge Newa said the crime was committed under traumatic circumstances by ambushing a family which was enjoying a meal and that such acts calls for appropriate sentence so that the society is protected and people should not live in fair.
The 20 year sentence is with effect from the day of arrest.
