14 out of the 19 people who were arrested in connection with the burning of a Police Station in Mufumbwe will appear in Mufumbwe Magistrates court on Monday 23rd October, 2017.
According to Police Spokesperson Esther Mwaata Katongo who confirmed the development, the 14 have been charged with three counts.
In the first count, the rioters have been charged with demolition of a building which is contrary to section 81, in the second count, they have been charged with Criminal Trespass contrary to section 306 while in the third count the rioters have been charged with Aiding a prisoner to escape contrary to section 120 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia..
Mrs Katongo explained that five of the apprehended suspects have been released due to insufficient evidence.
On Saturday last week, Mufumbwe residents burnt down Mufumbwe Police Station following an attempt by the police to stop what is locally called “Chikondo” a traditional belief meaning a moving coffin from taking place.
This followed the death of Martha Mingochi of Kalikufya area of Mufumbwe District, a grade 11 pupil at a local Secondary School who died on 13th October 2017 and the residents wanted the coffin to lead them to the alleged killer when the police attempted to stop them.
ENDS/SK