High Court Judge Justice Chifundo Kachale has sentenced six police officers for the murder of Buleya Lule, a suspect who died in police custody.

Paul Chipole received 20 years, Ikram Malata 18 years, while Richard Kalawire, Innocent Wanda, Maxwell Mbidzi, and Abel Maseya were each sentenced to 15 years.

Justice Kachale ruled that no separate sentence would be imposed for causing grievous harm, as it led to Lule’s death.

Lead defense lawyer Lugamo Mwabutwa welcomed the verdict, while state prosecutor Dzikondianthu Malunda, though seeking a maximum sentence, expressed satisfaction in closing the case.