Father, son jailed for assault
By Esther Chisola
A FIFTY-FIVE-year-old Lusaka man has been sentenced to 18 months’ simple imprisonment by the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court for assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Joshua Banda was jointly charged with his son Clinton 24 who admitted the charge and is serving 18 months’ simple imprisonment.
Allegations were that on July 2, 2024 in Lusaka jointly and whilst acting together did assault Robby Mtonga thereby occasioning him actual bodily harm.
When the matter came up for judgement before magistrate Keegan Litia, found Banda guilty after establishing that he had not produced any documentation to show that he was equally assaulted in the fight he had with the victim.
“I have considered the evidence of the accused and I dismiss it with the contempt it deserves because it is an attempt to run away from culpability. I find that the case has been proved against him and I find him guilty,” ruled the court.
In mitigation, Banda told the court that he was a priest at church.
“I have a ka londa (I have a sore). I’m a priest at a church. I am an administrator of the estate of my parents,” said Banda.
However, magistrate Litia sentenced him to 18 months’ simple imprisonment.
“You deserve leniency because you are a first offender but the offence you committed is very serious and has become very prevalent. Society looks up-to the court to help curb this vice,” ruled the court.
“You seem to possess a volatile temper especially when you have taken your alcohol. I therefore sentence you to 18 months’ simple imprisonment.”
