Case Overview:

KK, a child in conflict with the law, was arraigned on one count of murder in 2022. Following a court-ordered age assessment, it was determined that he was a juvenile, and a plea bargain reduced the charge to manslaughter. He was accused of unlawfully causing the death of nine-year-old GL after allegedly defiling her and striking her on the head with a stone when she threatened to report him.

Legal Proceedings:

KK appeared before the High Court for Zambia’s Children’s Division in Mansa, presided over by Honorable Justice E.P. Sunkutu. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter, contrary to Section 199 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

Sentencing:

The court, bound by law to handle the child offender appropriately, ordered K’s detention at Katombora Reformatory Centre until he turns 19. The court also ordered K’s parents to pay a fine of K10,000 within 14 days from June 12, 2024, or serve six months’ simple imprisonment in default.

This outcome reaffirms the Authority’s commitment to justice and combating criminality, regardless of the perpetrator’s age.