Mom opts for son to remain detained

A KITWE woman has refused to withdraw a case of malicious damage on her biological son after he damaged two windows at her house.

Ms Joy Nachilongo of Chamboli Township told the court to continue with the case against her son as he did not seem remorseful over his actions.

When the matter came up for continuation of trial, Resident Magistrate Malota Phiri, asked Ms Nachilongo if she could have had a change of heart after her son spent over two weeks at Kamfinsa correctional facility.

“He has said he has no words meaning he won’t change so the court should continue with the case,” Ms Nachilongo said.

The magistrate had asked the accused if he had anything to say to his mother, but responded that he had no words for her.

Gilbert Siame 27, is charged with malicious damage to property, which is alleged to have been committed on September 25 this year in Kitwe.

Siame is alleged to have willfully and unlawfully damaged two window panes and a door handle all together valued at K220.

Meanwhile, Siame’s younger sister testified that the accused went to his mother’s house around 21:30 and ordered that the door be opened for him.

When his sister refused to open for him, he threw a stone at the window.

Ruth Ng’ambi 25, told the court that her mother was away when Siame went home with a 25 kilogramme bag of mealie meal and asked her to keep it for him.

Ms Ng’ambi said after more than an hour, Siame returned and found her eating nshima with her child as well as Siame’s child, he got his mealie meal and asked her not to lock up.

She said she told him that she was going to lock up as it was late and at 21:30 hours he returned and demanded that she should open for him.

The court heard that when She refused, he started insulting her and then threw an object which shattered two windows.

Ms Ng’ambi said she then called her mother and put the phone on speaker for her to hear what was happening, but Siame left.

She said the next day her mother returned home and saw the damage Siame had caused and reported the matter to Wusakile police station.

Ms Phiri has since adjourned the matter to a later date for continuation of trial...