KASAMA High Court Judge Mathew Zulu has sentenced a 29-year -old man of Misengo Village in Kasama District in Northern Province to six years imprisonment with hard labour for manslaughter. 

Before Kasama High Court Judge, Mathew Zulu was Bright Mulenga who was facing one count of manslaughter contrary to section 199 of the penal code chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.

This was in a matter that came for plea in which Mulenga pleaded guilty to the charge.

Mulenga was initially charged with murder, but the prosecution team reduced the charge after making an application to the court.

Facts before the court were that Mulenga on June 18, 2023 did axe and struck his uncle, Christopher Mulenga 42, in the head after a fight.

The incident occurred when Mulenga, who had just returned home from a funeral of his young brother on the Copperbelt, was visited by the deceased.

However, the deceased uttered provocative words relating to the death which led into a fight.

Over powered by Mulenga, the deceased was pronounced dead upon arrival at Kasama General Hospital following severe bleeding. 

Mulenga was apprehended by community members and handed over to the police at Kasama Central Police Station.

In mitigation, Mulenga, through his Legal Aid lawyer, pleaded for leniency from the court, citing his status as a first offender who readily pleaded guilty without wasting the court’s time and resources.

The defense team also noted that Mulenga had expressed remorse for his actions and apologised to the deceased’s family.

“The accused person is a first offender who has shown remorse for his actions. He has apologized to the family of the deceased and has pleaded guilty to the charge without wasting the court’s time,” said the Lega Aid Team.

And in passing sentence Judge Zulu said he had taken into consideration the mitigation and acknowledged Mulenga’s plea of guilty to the reduced charge.

However, he cautioned that the crime committed was a serious offense and deserving of punishment.

“The crime you committed is a serious offense, and you deserve punishment from this court. However, I have considered your plea of guilty and the fact that you are a first offender,” Judge Zulu stated.

He then sentenced Mulenga to six years imprisonment with hard labour.