the Chipata High Court, in Zambia...

the Chipata High Court, in Zambia, sentenced five bandits to death after convicting them on two counts of murder and aggravated robbery. Appearing before High Court Judge Eddie Sikazwe were Humphrey Phiri, 38, Richard Phiri, 36, Davison Zulu, 34, Jonathan Banda, 36, and James Phiri, 33, all of Chikalawa area in Chief Nyanje’s area, who were found guilty of the two offences. Particulars of the offence were that the five bandits jointly and whilst acting together on November 17, 2008 murdered Simeon Phiri of Petauke District. It was also alleged that the five on the same night of November 17, armed with a firearm did steal K1.2 million, property of 70-year-old Cecilia Banda. The prosecution called eight witnesses to testify while the accused pleaded not guilty to the charge. The five were represented by Fred Jere who asked the court to exercise minimum leniency as they were first offenders. But passing judgment, Mr Justice Sikazwe said it was unfortunate that the five men engaged in such behaviour. He sentenced them to hang by the neck until pronounced dead.