3 cops denied bail in Choma murder case

THREE police officers in Choma, who allegedly killed a 32-year-old man on New Year’s Day during a patrol, yesterday appeared in the Choma Magistrate’s Court for mention and were denied bail.
Cleris Muleya, a carpenter and father of four children of Kamuza area in Choma sustained bullet wounds on his left leg and later died.
His colleague, Lweendo Mutukula, 32, of the same area is battling for his life at Choma General Hospital after being shot at by the officers at his house.
The police officers are Paul Nabuzoka, 21, a constable of Choma Central Police Station, Lee Beensi, 34, a constable of Overspill Township, and Grender Mazabuka, 35, a reservist of Mwapona Township.
The trio appeared before Choma Magistrate Willies Sinyangwe yesterday for mention amid tight security from their counterparts but could not take plea because the court was still waiting for instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The trio, however, applied for individual bails but State Prosecutor Evans Mbonge objected and said, the court could not grant them because the case they allegedly committed was not bailable.
“Your Honour, the docket for this case of murder is in the hands of DPP and a bail can’t be granted by this subordinate court because this matter is subject to High Court,” Mr Mbonge said.
Magistrate Sinyangwe told the trio that they would remain in custody and appear for another mention on January 30, 2014.
The trio was charged with murder contrary to section 200 Cap 57 of the Laws of Zambia for killing Mr Muleya.
The shooting incident happened around 01:00 hours at Vinthu Mufumbenge Bottle store owned by Joseph Kapila, a local business executive.
A Toyota Land Cruiser, registration number ZP 225B, had its windscreen damaged by some incensed members of the public.

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