The Court found Godfrey Phiri guilty of killing Mr. Bernard Chomba and Mrs. Bwalya Chileshe at their residence in Kasupe, Lusaka West.

The facts before the Court were that the deceased couple went missing in November 2022.

On November 22, 2022, following a report by a concerned friend that the couple had not been seen for three days, police officers visited their home and discovered their decomposing bodies approximately 30 metres from the house.

Investigations led to the apprehension of Phiri, who had been employed by the couple as a garden worker.

The accused person was later charged and arrested on 2 counts of Murder and 1 count of Aggravated Robbery.

The Court heard that during the course of investigations, police recovered a silver Toyota Spacio registration number ADD 5815, a television set, a fridge, two laptops and three cellular phones believed to be property of the deceased. The accused is alleged to have led police to the driver he had hired to ferry the household goods from the crime scene.

Phiri was initially detained at Kabwata Police Station and later transferred to Lusaka Central Police. He was committed to the High Court for trial in February 2023 by Lusaka Magistrate Kaunda Sakwanda.

In delivering judgment, the Court noted the gravity of the offence and the breach of trust involved. The accused was sentenced to life imprisonment on each count of murder.

The National Prosecution Authority reiterates its commitment to ensuring justice for victims of violent crime.