TWENTY-EIGHT of the 31 suspected UPND supporters who were arrested for conduct likely to cause breach of peace in Kitwe last Friday have admitted the conduct likely to cause a breach of peace charge against them before the Kitwe Magistrates’ Court.

The 30 accused persons appeared in two different courts, Tuesday, but among them were two juveniles who could not take plea as they required the presence of Social Welfare Officers.

Meanwhile, one suspect who was charged with malicious damage to property is likely to appear in court on March 18, 2021.

This is according to a statement issued by Police spokesperson Esther Katongo, Tuesday.

“With reference to the fracas that happened in Kitwe on 12th March, 2021, in which 31 people suspected to be UPND cadres were arrested and charged with Conduct Likely to Cause Breach of Peace, all accused persons appeared in two different courts today. The first group of 15 appeared before Magistrate Kampinda Chipamu where 14 pleaded guilty and the matter has been adjourned to Friday, 19th March, 2021, for facts and sentence. The other group of 15 appeared before Magistrate Malota Phiri where 14 pleaded guilty. The matter has also been adjourned to 19th March, 2021, while two juveniles did not take plea as they require the presence of Social Welfare Officers,” narrated Katongo.

“They are all remanded in custody at Kamfinsa Remand Prison. The two juvenile suspects did not take plea awaiting for the presence of social welfare officers. Furthermore, one suspect, who was charged with the offence of Malicious Damage to property is likely to appear in court on 18th March, 2021. Police are still looking for his accomplices who are currently on the run.”