More join calls for the release from custody of Munyumbwe murder suspects
CHIEF Munyumbe's representative in Gwembe Harrison Milambo has backed calls by residents demanding the release of six suspects who are incarcerated in Livingstone on murder allegations.
This follows the death of one of them, Cacious Mudenda who died in Lusaka last Friday where he was transferred after his health deteriorated in Livingstone and was put to rest on Monday in Munyumbwe, his home area.
The six were arrested in February 2020 in connection to the death of former Lusaka Town Clerk Timothy Hakuyu over gassing suspicions.
Chief Muyumbwe's representative has observed that it is a pity that the six suspects have stayed for over a year without hearing their fate even after their case was heard last year and concluded.
Mr Milambo said that the suspects have been waiting to hear the content of the judgement over the matter.
His remarks were supported by Headman Habeene and Senior Headman Munyumbwe who has also said if the state has no evidence the court should set them free by acquitting them.
"It has taken long, we want our people, we demand for their release. Their families are tired of waiting for them to come back. One of them has died while waiting for judgement in detention," Senior Headman Munyumbwe said.
"If the state has failed to find a case or evidence which incriminate these people to the alleged offence, let the court discharge them and allow them to come back home. What kind of a case cannot be concluded in two years? These are bread winners, their wives are waiting for them...as parents and members of the ruling party, we are living in suspense, we don't know what is happening to our people. Let the new dawn administration release our people," Headman Habeene said.
Recently, Southern Province Minister Cornelius Mweetwa also made an appeal to the Minister of Justice, Mr Mulambo Haimbe to take interest in the matter that has taken long to be discharged by the courts.