By ALICE NACHILEMBE
Security was tight at Chingola Magistrate Court as the 67 rioters and looters appeared before court for various offences among them arson, breaking in, theft and malicious damage to property.
The Kitwe main road that houses the Magistrate court was sealed off by both traffic and riot police until the court session came to an end.
The 67 rioters and looters who appeared in three different court rooms grouped according to their offences pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The court yard was camouflaged with riot police who prevented the general public from entering the court for the fear that they may cause trouble.
Appearing before Magistrate Martin Namushi were 17 people charged with one count of riotous behaviour and injuring the building.
Particulars of the offense are that Chishimba Mulenga 30, Abel Musoka 27, Roy Nzala 21, Ann Phiri 30, Abel Chishimba 23, Alex Mumba 23, Chitembo Musoka 33, Kennedy Nyambe 33, Ruth Chibwe 41, Benson Malama 27, Peter Mwikwe 38.
Others are Enoch Mililo 34, Abel Sikaona 31, Yvonne Mabela 24, Catherine Mwansa 37, Steven Chipoka 27, and Evans Phiri.
On January 8, 2020 jointly and whilst acting together unlawful but willfully rioted and destroyed a building belonging to Sunday Mukondya worth K17, 000.
They all denied the charges and Mr Namushi adjourned the matter to January 29, for mention and February 10, 2020 for commencing of trial.
Senior State Prosecutor Timothy Mwikisa objected to the bail application for the 17 considering saying they commit other offences and it granted.
In Court two before Magistrate Stephen Mabona another group of 22 people charged with two counts and they all pleaded not guilty.
In the first count the 22 are facing Riotous Behaviour and in the second count they are facing count of arson.
Particulars of the offence are that Samuel Mumba30, Dimus Kalumba 29, Emmanuel Chabala 12, John Chibwe 25, Isaach Malema 18, Maybin Mulenga 23, Kellys Siingwa 27, Paul Kaloza 43, Derrick Mitato 42, Osward Chipali 36, Luck Chipali 46, Cliton Mwape 18, Lackson Chela 42, Loti Zuze 38.
Others are Raymond Kopeka 32, Patrick Chansa 34, Isaach Sinyinza 34, Malambo Ng’andu 28, Henry Tuyati 33, Strados Samukwato 13, Juma Phiri 38 and Steven Bwalya 15.
On January 8, 2020 jointly and whilst acting together willful but unlawfully assembled acting in one accord to breach peace or public Tranquility.
In the second count the 22 on January 8, 2020 joint and whilst acting together willfully but unlawfully set fire on a house, three motor vehicles and assorted household goods worth K2, 940250 the property of Isaac Mukondya.
Mr Mabona adjoined to January 20, 2020 for trail.
And before Chingola Senior Resident Magistrate Peggy Banda was another group of 14 facing two counts.
In the first count they are facing riotous behavior and second count theft of property.
Particulars of the offence are that the 14 on January 8, stole the property of Patrick Mwandu worthy K90, 225.
And the 4th group is also charged with two counts.
In the first count they are charged with theft and in the second count they are facing house breaking in and stealing property.
Ms Banda adjourned the matter to January 27, for commencement of trial.
All the 67 were denied bail save for two juvenile that are in school in Grade 7 and 12 and the school prove that they are in school.
