Utumishi Girls Academy Murder Case: Eight Minors Plead Not Guilty; Court Bars Media From Revealing Identities

The eight minors from Utumishi Girls Academy have formally pleaded not guilty to murder charges in connection with a tragedy that claimed the lives of 16 of their fellow students.

Presiding over the High Court session, Justice Diana Kavedza issued strict directives to protect the integrity of the judicial process and the welfare of the children involved. Crucially, the judge clarified that due to their age, the girls must not be referred to as accused persons, but rather as “subject minors.”

“The subject minors are charged with murder,” Justice Kavedza stated.

Strict Media Guidelines Issued

Acknowledging the heavy public interest in the case, Justice Kavedza allowed accredited journalists to cover the open court proceedings but placed absolute restrictions on identifying the minors.

The court’s media directives include:

• Anonymity: No publication, report, or broadcast may directly or indirectly reveal the identities of any subject minor.

• Factual Reporting: Coverage must remain fair, accurate, and strictly confined to official court rulings, evidence, and procedural developments.

• No Sensationalism: The judge strongly warned against media-led trials and external commentary that could prejudice the case.

“The court must guard against trial by media, public pressure, sensitive concerns, and premature conclusions,” the judge ordered.

Protecting the Rights of the Minors

The criminal case follows an intensive investigation into the deaths of the 16 students at the academy, which ultimately led the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to approve the murder charges.

Moving forward, the High Court emphasized that the entire trial will be strictly anchored in child protection laws, ensuring that the legal rights and psychological welfare of the subject minors are fully safeguarded throughout the criminal proceedings.