Youth jailed 9 months for threatening violence

Simon Tembo, was charged with one count of threatening violence contrary to Section 90 of the Penal Code chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

THE Lusaka Magistrates’ court has sentenced an 18-year-old bus conductor to nine months imprisonment with hard labour for threating violence while armed with a Knife and screw driver.

Simon Tembo, was charged with one count of threatening violence contrary to Section 90 of the Penal Code chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

Tembo pleaded guilty before Magistrate Ireen Wishimanga.

Facts are that on October 27, at around 11:00 hours, Blessing Kankuli was on her way to fetch water within Kanyama compound where she resides.

She was confronted by Tembo in the company of his friends and accused her of giving information to police officers which led to the apprehension of some members of his gang the previous day.

Tembo while holding a screw driver and a knife in his hands held Ms Kankuli that he was going to stab her.

At that point Ms Kankuli was gripped with fear and decided to run away.

She later in the company of her guardian reported the matter at Mumbwa Road police.

A Constable Mwansa took up the matter. After apprehending Tembo, he interviewed him in relation to the matter but he could not give a satisfactory answer. He was later officially charged and arrested.

Under warn and caution statement he gave a free and voluntary reply admitting the charge.

In mitigation Tembo asked for leniency as he was a first offender.

Ms Kankuli later applied to have the matter withdrawn but Ms Wishimanga denied the application saying ‘I cannot allow to have the matter withdrawn because it’s a serious offence. If you are scared of being harassed in the compound, you should shift’

Ms Wishimanga later sentenced Tembo to nine months imprisonment with hard labour.