Eight minors from Utumishi Girls Academy have been formally charged with murder over the death of a fellow student, with the High Court directing that their identities remain protected throughout the proceedings.
The eight have all pleaded not guilty and Justice Diana Kavedza clarified that the girls should not be referred to as accused persons but as “subject minors” owing to their age.
They are each facing 16 counts of murder following a tragic fire at a dormitory at the school that led to the death of 16 of their fellow learners.
The suspects were captured in a CCTV footage igniting the fire before exiting the dormitory.
The learners underwent a mental assessment over the weekend to determine if they are fit to stand trial and answer to murder charges.
The matter is expected to proceed in accordance with child protection laws, with the court emphasizing that the rights and welfare of the minors must be safeguarded even as the criminal proceedings continue.
Among the measures taken is the concealing of the identity of the minors and shielding them from public exposure.
