FORMER Zambia Police Copperbelt Province deputy commissioner Bothwell Namuswa has appeared in the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court on a charge of causing grievous harm with intent to maim, disfigure or disable.

Namuswa, 49, is alleged to have shot at a UPND supporter, Peter Masani, in 2016 at the Lusaka High Court and the victim is alleged to still be living with a bullet which is stuck in his body.

Masani, 39, was shot at the Lusaka High Court premises where he had gone for a court hearing.

It is alleged that on December 15, 2016 in Lusaka, Namuswa with intent to main, disfigure or disable caused grievous harm to Masani of Kanyama Township in Lusaka.

When the matter came up before Lusaka Chief Resident Magistrate Dominic Makalicha for allocation, the matter was allocated to magistrate Sheila Mweene.

When Namuswa appeared before magistrate Mweene, she explained the charge to him but told him that he could not take plea as the offence he was charged with was tried by the High Court.

She informed Namuswa that he would continue appearing before her for mention until such a time when the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) issues a certificate of committal to the High Court for trial.

The matter was then adjourned to February 24, 2022.

Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga had confirmed Namuswa’s arrest in a statement issued on December 24, 2021.

“Police have arrested Mr Bothwell Namuswa aged 49 a Deputy Commissioner of Police for the Offence of Acts Intended to Cause Grievous Harm Contrary to Section 224 Subsection (a) of CAP 87 of the laws of Zambia. It is alleged that on 15th December, 2016 at the Lusaka High Court the accused did shoot at Peter Masani aged 39 of Kanyama Compound who was at the premises for a court hearing. The accused was briefly detained at Woodlands police station and has been released on police bond. He will appear in court soon,” stated Hamoonga.