A Senior Magistrate Trevor Kasanda has found guilty Socialist Party Youth Leader Gabriel Banda.
Banda a former University of Zambia Students’ Union (UNZASU) president has been found guilty of inciting violence at the University of Zambia (UNZA).
He is accused to have incited violence that resulted into a riot where property worth K11.6 million was destroyed.
The sentencing has been reserved for tomorrow, 30th May 2025.
ZNBC reports that Delivering judgment, Magistrate Kasanda ruled that the State proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, establishing that Banda incited violent conduct.
He noted that the incited acts resulted in significant damage to property and even loss of life, citing several examples presented during trial.
According to testimony from the Dean of Students, the University suffered property damage estimated at over 11 million kwacha.
In mitigation, Banda’s lawyer, Kennedy Mambwe, pleaded for leniency, stating that his client is a student, a first-time offender, and of youthful age.
Mambwe told the court that Banda has shown deep remorse and has taken time to reflect on his actions. He further submitted that the university administration had already surcharged students to help offset the cost of the damages.