The notorious Kitwe gang, ‘Tokota Boys’, that has been terrorising Kitwe residents has appeared in the Kitwe Magistrates’ Court with three counts. 

The 19 suspects, who were nabbed last week, appeared before Kitwe Magistrate Yvonne Nalomba who informed them that the Magistrates’ Court has no jurisdiction over their matter. 

Magistrate Nalomba explained that they were not going to take plea at the Magistrate courts because the charges are only triable at the High Court and that their presence in court was for them to be made aware of the charges. 

The suspects’ ages range from 15 to 34 and they hail from Kitwe, Mufulira and Ndola. 

In the first count they are charged with acts intended to cause grievous harm contrary to section 224 (a) of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia. 

Particulars of the first court are that the 19 suspects on the 30th of April 2018 in Kitwe District of Zambia, whilst jointly acting together with intent to maim, disfigure or disable did grievous harm to Cathdeck Nkonde. 

In the second count, they are charged with unlawful wounding or Poisoning Contray to section 232 (b) of the penal code of chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia. 

Particulars of the offence are that the 19 suspects on the 30th of April 2018 whilst acting together with intent to injure or annoy, caused noxious things namely faeces to be taken by Cathdeck Nkonde. 

In the last count the 19 are charged with kidnapping or abducting in order to subject person to grievous harm contrary to section 257 of the penal code of the Laws of Zambia. 

Particulars of the offence are that on 30th April 2018, in Kitwe District of Zambia whilst jointly acting together did kidnap Cathdeck Nkonde as to be put in danger and subjected to grievous harm. 

A named juvenile, however, took plea and pleaded not guilty to the charge of assault and causing badly harm and the matter will come up on the 28 of May 2018 for commencement of trial while the other 18 will be appearing for mention on the same day. All the suspects will remain in custody

Meanwhile, there was heavy police presence as the boys were brought to court, backed by armed officers from the anti robbery squad. 

Later, there was jubilation outside the court as the gang was taken to Kamfinsa prison where they are remanded.