A SUSPECT in the murder of Copperbelt University lecturer Maximillan Mainza yesterday appeared in the Kitwe Magistrate’s Court for explanation of charges. Chiluba Mwale, 25, a resident of Nkana East, who is a landlord and a phone repairer, appeared before magistrate Kapinda Chipamo where three charges of murder, aggravated robbery and rape were read to him.

In count one, facts read before the court are that Mwale, on October 5 this year, allegedly murdered Mr Mainza. In the second count, Mwale is accused of using violence to steal two mobile phones, a handbag and K80 cash, all valued at K2,830, property of Sibongile Mwale. Further, in the last count, the suspect is accused of having unlawful carnal knowledge of Ms Mwale.

The accused, who spoke in Bemba, said he understood all the three charges. Magistrate Chipamo told the accused that count one and count two are capital offences which can only be adjudicated by the Kitwe High Court.

She said the suspect will continue appearing before the Magistrate’s Court for mention until the State receives instructions from the Director of Public Prosecution Lillian Siyuni on the matter. Magistrate Chipamo adjourned the case to November 22 this year for mention