SEVEN Natural Resources Development College (NRDC) students, who were arrested for malicious damage to property during a riot were on Thursday acquitted. The seven were acquitted after their school authorities withdrew the case from court.

It is alleged that on August 20, 2018, while acting together Peter Tembo 20, Peter Mwenya 22, Benjamin Musonda 22, Jacob Mpepo 22, Given Nyimbili 24, Sokoni Mahone 21 and James Fusankolo 21, wilfully and unlawfully damaged two hostel window panes and a rear window screen of a motor vehicle.
When the matter came up yesterday, the students denied having committed the offence.

And NRDC registrar Manda Sinkala told the court that college decided to withdraw the matter so that it could be handled administratively.
“Considering that we are dealing with students, we feel the option of handling it administratively will be more convenient for all parties,” Mr Sinkala said.

The State applied to have the case withdrawn which is in line with Section 201 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC).
The defence lawyers did not object to the application.

And in her ruling, magistrate Mwandu Sakala granted the State the application to withdraw the case and acquitted the seven.
“In accordance with the CPC, I hereby grant the State the application and acquit the seven. You are free to go,” she said.