In a shocking and heartbreaking case that has gripped the nation, Blackford Phiri, a businessman from Lusaka’s Chainda compound, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of his ex-girlfriend’s five-year-old son. The Lusaka High Court delivered the verdict after finding Phiri guilty of strangling the young boy and disposing of his body in two mealie meal sacks, an act that has been described as both heinous and inhumane.
The court’s findings revealed the chilling details of the crime, which took place on September 10, 2019. According to evidence presented during the trial, Phiri lured the innocent child to his house in Chainda under circumstances that are still unclear. Once inside, he strangled the boy to death and then tied a plastic bag around his head using polyethylene strings, ensuring that the child had no chance of survival. After committing the act, Phiri callously stuffed the boy’s body into two mealie meal sacks, attempting to conceal the evidence of his crime.
The case, which falls under Section 200 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia, has drawn widespread condemnation from the public, with many expressing outrage over the senseless and cruel nature of the crime. High Court Judge, in delivering the life sentence, described Phiri’s actions as “barbaric” and “devoid of any humanity,” emphasizing that such crimes have no place in society.
The murder sent shockwaves through the Chainda community and beyond, as residents struggled to come to terms with the gruesome details of the case. The young boy, whose life was tragically cut short, was described by neighbors as a cheerful and lively child who was loved by many. His untimely death has left his family and the community devastated, with many calling for justice to be served swiftly.
During the trial, the prosecution presented compelling evidence, including witness testimonies and forensic reports, which left no doubt about Phiri’s guilt. The court also considered the emotional impact of the crime on the boy’s family, particularly his mother, who has been left to grapple with the unimaginable pain of losing her child in such a horrific manner.
In sentencing Phiri to life imprisonment, the judge noted that the severity of the crime warranted the maximum punishment under Zambian law. The life sentence serves as a stern warning to would-be offenders that such acts of violence, especially against vulnerable children, will be met with the full force of the law.
The case has also sparked a broader conversation about the safety of children and the need for stronger measures to protect them from harm. Child rights activists have called for increased awareness and community vigilance to prevent similar tragedies in the future. They have urged parents and guardians to be more cautious about the people they allow into their children’s lives, emphasizing that child safety should always be a top priority.
As Blackford Phiri begins his life sentence, the case serves as a grim reminder of the dark side of human nature and the importance of a robust justice system in holding perpetrators accountable. For the family of the young victim, the verdict brings a measure of closure, though it can never fully heal the wounds left by their loss.
The community of Chainda and the nation at large continue to mourn the loss of an innocent life, while hoping that this tragic case will serve as a catalyst for change, prompting greater efforts to safeguard the well-being of children across Zambia.
By Best Jere
