Boy, 12, on probation for manslaughter

THE Kitwe High Court has placed a 13-year-old boy on 12 months’ probation for manslaughter.
Kitwe High Court judge-in-charge Catherine Makungu made the order following recommendations from the social welfare department.
This is in a case in which the boy was charged with and pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter.
Particulars of the offence are that on March 2, this year, in Kitwe, the juvenile allegedly unlawfully caused the death of Bernard Mwansa.
According to a report by the social welfare department report presented by a probation officer Frank Mukula, the boy admitted the offence saying it was an accident.
Mukula said facts gathered from the juvenile’s mother revealed that he has been a ‘problematic’ child.
He said the juvenile is currently in grade four at a community school in Kamfinsa.
“He has learnt a lesson I think and I recommend a year probation so that the department [of social welfare]can counsel and mentor him,” Mukula said.
He further submitted that the juvenile be united with his parents as they can afford to provide him three meals a day.
“On the basis of the report and recommendations made, it is ordered that you be on probation for a period of 12 months,” Ms Justice Makungu told the boy.

Zambia Daily Mail