THE Magistrate Court in Luwingu has sentenced a 32-year-old man of Nkandabana Village in Chief Chitoshi’s Chiefdom in Lunte District to 40 months’ imprisonment.

Before Magistrate Sharon Luhanga was Vincent Mwape who was facing one count of grievous bodily harm contrary to section 229 of the penal code chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.

ZANIS reports that this is in a matter that came up for trial in which Mwape was dragged to court on accusations of having beaten a person he suspected to be practicing witchcraft in the village.

Facts of the matter before the court were that on December 2, 2025, jointly and whilst acting together with others unknown, Mwape did beat up Andrew Kabwe, an old man.

This was on accusation that he was practicing witchcraft and that he was behind a death that had occurred in the village.

After analysing the evidence brought in by a state witness, resident Luhanga found the accused guilty of the offense.

When asked whether he had anything to say in mitigation, Mwape told the court that he had nothing to say.

In passing judgement Magistrate Luhanga explained that mitigation is important stating that it helps to show to the court that the offender is remorseful for his deed.

Resident Magistrate Luhanga said the prosecution has proved its case to the required standard, and the accused will be convicted accordingly.

She then sentenced him to 40 months of imprisonment with hard labor with effect from the date he was arrested.