Kabompo grandpa jailed 7 years for manslaughter

A 60-year-old man of Indeco Compound in Kabompo District has been sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment with hard labour by the Solwezi High Court for causing the death of a man he found naked in his house with his wife. Kennedy Liwema was convicted of manslaughter, contrary…

A 60-year-old man of Indeco Compound in Kabompo District has been sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment with hard labour by the Solwezi High Court for causing the death of a man he found naked in his house with his wife.

Kennedy Liwema was convicted of manslaughter, contrary to Section 199 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

Solwezi High Court Judge Comfort Mulenga sentenced Liwema following an incident that occurred on February 23, 2024, at about 21:00 hours in Kabompo District.

According to facts presented by State Advocate Francis Mphanza, Liwema had returned home from his farm and found his house locked.

Upon opening the door, he discovered Luka Mutoho, who was naked and in the company of his wife.

The court heard that a confrontation ensued, during which Liwema assaulted Mutoho with fists and kicks which made Mutoho to fall to the ground and sustained a serious head injury and bled profusely.

Liwema called for help from neighbours, who assisted in taking Mutoho to hospital. However, Mutoho later died from the injuries he sustained.

In mitigation, Liwema’s lawyer, Ethel Banda, Deputy Chief Legal Aid Counsel from the Legal Aid Board, asked the court for leniency, citing his client’s advanced age, remorse and status as a first offender.

Ms Banda said Liwema had readily admitted the charge and had saved the court’s time and resources.

She also pointed to his actions after the assault, particularly calling neighbours for help and assisting in taking the deceased to hospital.

But in sentencing, Justice Mulenga said although she had considered the mitigation, the severity of the head injuries sustained by the deceased could not be overlooked.

Justice Mulenga subsequently sentenced Liwema to seven years’ imprisonment with hard labour, effective from the date of his arrest, and informed him of his right to appeal.