Maravi

Court warns Rupiah's son to desist from violence

Court warns Rupiah's son to desist from violence
By Maluba Jere
Thu 01 Dec. 2011, 13:30 CAT

CHIEF resident magistrate Joshua Banda yesterday warned former president Rupiah Banda's son, James, to desist from engaging in violence and learn to settle disputes amicably. Magistrate Banda made the general observation after acquitting James who was in court for allegedly assaulting former Finance Bank executive director Noel Nkhoma.

It was alleged that James, a 51-year-old businessman of house number 34 Mutende Road Woodlands, on October 12, 2011, in Lusaka, assaulted Nkhoma thereby occasioning him actual bodily harm.

Nkhoma on Monday withdrew the case against James, saying they had reconciled.

Magistrate Banda said if what was alleged against James was true, then he needed to desist from engaging in such violent acts which he said were unproductive, unhealthy and might land him in serious problems.

He said there was need for people to settle matters in amicable ways and not resorting to assaulting each other.

Earlier, in his ruling on an application by Nkhoma to withdraw the charge against James, magistrate Banda said the application was made pursuant to Section 201 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) which states that "If a complainant at any time before a final order is passed in any case under this part, satisfies the court that there are sufficient grounds for permitting him to withdraw the same and shall thereupon acquit the accused."

Magistrate Banda consequently acquitted James.

Labels: POLITICAL VIOLENCE, RUPIAH BANDA, WILLIAM BANDA

posted by MrK @ 4:16 PM