A SUSPECTED UPND supporter who is accused of murdering a Patriotic Front member has been committed to the High Court for trial.

In this case, Lonica Musomela, a 52-year-old business lady of Kanyama Compound, is charged with one count of murder.

It is alleged that Musomela, on January 28, 2021 in Lusaka, murdered Terrence Mutale.

According to police, the incident allegedly happened when two groups of unruly persons clashed along First Road off Mumbwa Road during a funeral procession on January 28, 2021.

Mutale, who had sustained multiple head and body injuries, was referred to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) where he later died on January 30, 2021 around 11:00 hours.

Musomela was initially jointly charged with Mauzeni Kauma.

However, when the matter came up for mention before magistrate Faides Hamaundu yesterday, the court was informed that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had entered a nolle prosequi in Kauma’s favour.

State prosecutor Mutinta Malumani also said the prosecution was in receipt of a certificate to have Musomela committed to the High Court for trial.

Magistrate Hamaundu then informed Musomela that she would stop appearing before her as she would now be appearing before the High Court.

Earlier this year, Police spokesperson Esther Katongo confirmed the incidence which led to Mutale’s death in a statement.

“Police in Lusaka have arrested one suspect and are looking for other suspects believed to be on the run in connection with the murder of Denis Mutale and Assault of one other person in an incident which occured on January 28, 2021 at around 15:00 hours in Kanyama Compound in Lusaka. The incident happened when two groups of unruly persons clashed along first road off Mumbwa road during a funeral procession. Initially, the report was recorded as Unlawful wounding and the two victims were taken to Kanyama Level one Hospital for treatment,” she stayed.

“However, Dennis Mutale who had sustained multiple head and body injuries was reffered to UTH where he later died on January 30, 2021 around 11:00 hours. An investigation into the matter led to the arrest of a female adult aged 52 whose identity we have withheld but of old Kanyama compound and a manhunt for other suspects has continued.”

Meanwhile, a police officer and a general worker have been dragged to the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court for allegedly breaking into Lilayi Police College storeroom and stealing items worth over K50,000.

In this matter, Edwin Phiri, 23, a police officer and Oscar Mumba, a 34-year-old general worker are charged with one count of breaking into a building and committing a felony.

It is alleged that Phiri and Mumba between February 22 and February 24, 2021 in Lusaka, with intent to steal broke into Lilayi Police College storeroom and stole a set of tent poles and 19 winter jackets altogether valued at K57,986, property of Zambia Police Service.

The matter was allocated to magistrate Hamaundu where the accused persons were expected to take plea.