BOY, 16, IN COURT FOR MURDER

A 16-year-old boy who caused the death of a security guard after running over him with a car in January has appeared in court for murder.

The minor, to be referred to as JJ, appeared before Lusaka resident magistrate Anna Vomvas Holland charged with murder while barefoot with a black T-shirt and blue shorts.

The magistrate asked the child’s guardian to take stand and confirm the Grade 10 pupil’s age. “He is my nephew. He just turned 16. I’ve been living with him since he was four years,” JJ’s aunt said.

After the court read out the murder charge, the minor said he understood it.

“This matter is beyond my jurisdiction. It is a matter that is heard at the High Court children’s court by a judge,” magistrate Holland said.

Prosecutor Chipo Gura informed the court that instructions to have JJ committed to the High Court are ready but defence lawyer Robert Siulapwa made an application that JJ be released from detention and allowed to attend school. He quoted sections 70 and 73 of the Children’s Code Act.

“This is in his best interest,” the lawyer, who has taken on the case pro bono, said.

“We understand that under normal circumstances, the offence of murder is non-bailable. However, this is a matter involving a child.”

Zambia Daily Mail