A GRADE seven pupil, aged 15, and seven men have been committed to the High Court for trial in connection with the brutal murder of a fuel attendant at Rubis service station.

They are in court for allegedly killing Sibeso Akaliwa who was violently attacked at a Rubis service station in Lusaka’s Hellen Kaunda area in July this year.

The attackers stormed the service station around 03:00hours and also attacked another attendant-Mapalo Mwelwa, who survived with injuries.

Yesterday, eight accused persons appeared before Lusaka magistrate Idah Phiri facing four counts of murder, attempt-to-murder and aggravated robbery.

The accused are a 15-year-old boy, Marriot Lungu, 22, farmer of Chipata Township, Boniface Mwanza, 23, a painter of Chipata Maplot, Moses Zulu, 21, a security guard of Mtendere East;

The rest are Given Banda, 28, a security guard of Kabanana Site and Service Security, Rabson Lungu, 32, a Bricklayer of Chipata Township, Clifford Musanda, 30, Chaisa Township-both bricklayers and an 18-year-old Peter Daka of Chipata Township.

The case was called by state prosecutor Lewis Loti before Lusaka magistrate Idah Phiri, who held the session in camera.

It is alleged that on July 16 this year, the eight unlawfully attempted to cause the death of Mr Mwelwa.

In count two, allegations are that on the same day, the accused, while armed with an iron bar, cutter, hammer, and a screw driver, stole a cell phone, a wallet, and four assorted bank cards- including K200 cash.

These stolen items were valued at K24, 439.57, belonging to Rubis filling station.

It is alleged that at the time of this theft, the accused persons used threats or actual violence to prevent Mr Mwelwa from resisting the commission of the thievery.

Allegations in count three are that while armed with the earlier mentioned weapons, the eight stole Ms Akaliwa’s headsock and cell phone, all valued at K235.

They allegedly used violence or threats to prevent Ms Akaliwa from resisting the robbery.

In the last count, it is alleged that the eight murdered Ms Akaliwa.

Mr Loti informed the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had instructions to have the accused committed to the High Court for trial.

“I have received a committal certificate issued by office of DPP that this matter is fit for trial by the High Court, accordingly I commit the matter to the High Court,” the magistrate said.

(Mwebantu, Wednesday, 31st December, 2025)