Lusaka Man to Hang

Ndola - The Lusaka High Court has sentenced a 33-year-old man to death after he was convicted of killing a Lusaka West woman who was found worshiping with fellow Christians.

High Court Judge Anderson Zikonda sentenced Roel Goosen to death in connection with the death of Lillian Nkhata on August 30, 2001 in Lusaka's Barlastone area.

Lillian and some of her friends were hiding from Goosen in the bedroom when he shot through the door killing her instantly.

In the judgment, Judge Zikonda said over 20 people had gathered for prayers at a Mr Chileshe Mukuka's house on that night. Goosen was seen with a gun kneeling near the house outside.

Judge Zikonda said when the people who were worshipping in the house were alerted about a man with a gun they all fled.

"Chileshe Mukuka saw a white man kneeling and pointing a gun at her and he alerted others," the judgment read in part.

It also indicated that Goosen was seen clearly in the night because of the security lights which were on at the time of the incident.

Judge Zikonda said upon finding Goosen guilty, the court put him on his defence and he opted to give evidence on oath without calling any witness.

The court however, said it was convinced that Goosen had carried a shot-gun and entered Chileshe Mukuka's house.

He said the court was also convinced that Goosen was drunk on the fateful day according to the evidence adduced by witnesses but stressed that getting drunk was not an excuse for a wrong-doing.

He said Goosen was aware of the damage and effects of his action and could not use drunkenness as an excuse for killing someone.

"The manner the killing was committed by the convict in my view excludes the presence of extenuating circumstances to warrant any favourable sentence other than ultimate penalty," Judge Zikonda said.

Goosen was represented by lawyer Nicholas Okwara.