Five juveniles, aged between 16 and 18, have pleaded guilty to murdering a 20-year-old man in Senga Hill District in Northern Province.
The accused appeared before Kasama High Court Judge, Mathew Zulu, where they admitted to the crime when the matter came up for plea.
Facts before the court were that the incident occurred on July 9, 2024, while the juveniles were watching a football match at a local ground.
The deceased, Fenwick Sikazwe, approached one of the juveniles and borrowed K20, intending to buy beer at the ground.
Sikazwe later offered his jersey as collateral for the money.
However, when he attempted to repay the debt, the juvenile refused, claiming the jersey was purchased with the K20.
An argument ensued, and the juveniles attacked Sikazwe, inflicting multiple injuries.
He succumbed to his injuries on September 19, 2024, and a post-mortem examination revealed the cause of death to be hemothorax chest trauma.
State Advocate presented the case, stating that the five juveniles unlawfully and willingly murdered Fenwick Sikazwe, contrary to Section 200 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
The juveniles acknowledged the facts as true and correct.
Judge Zulu found the five juveniles guilty of the charge based on their admission.
However, he expressed concern about their attitude in court, noting that their behavior, including smiling during questioning, was unbecoming and disrespectful.
The judge ordered that the juveniles be thoroughly counselled before their next appearance, scheduled for this Friday.
Social Welfare Officer, Emmanuel Chintu, informed the court that his analysis and recommendation report on the case was not ready.
Source: ZANIS