Eight minors from Utumishi Girls Academy have been formally arraigned and charged with murder in connection with the death of a fellow student, with the High Court moving to ensure their identities remain protected for the duration of the proceedings.

They all pleaded not guilty.

Presiding judge Justice Diana Kavedza made clear that the eight should not be referred to as accused persons at any point during the case, instead directing that they be addressed as “subject minors” in light of their age.

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

The court went further to lay out strict guidelines governing how the media should handle coverage of the case.

While accredited journalists were granted permission to attend and report on proceedings conducted in open court, the judge was firm that any reporting must be fair, accurate, and limited strictly to what transpires in court, including rulings, procedural developments, and matters that genuinely serve the public interest.

“Accredited media representatives may attend and report from all proceedings conducted in open court. Such reporting shall be fair, accurate, and confined to the proceedings, the court rulings, procedural developments, and matters of legitimate public interest. No report, publication, or broadcast shall directly or indirectly identify any subject minor,” the judge ordered.

Any publication, broadcast, or report that could directly or indirectly lead to the identification of any of the subject minors was expressly prohibited.

Justice Kavedza also raised concern about the broader environment surrounding the case, warning against sensational coverage and outside influence that could undermine the fairness of the judicial process.

“The court must guard against trial by media, public pressure, sensitive concerns and premature conclusions,” she said.

The case has its origins in the deaths of 16 students at Utumishi Girls Academy, a tragedy that prompted the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to approve 16 murder charges against the eight minors following a thorough investigation into the incident.

Going forward, the court indicated the matter will be handled in strict accordance with child protection laws, with the court emphasizing that safeguarding the rights and welfare of the minors remains a priority even as the criminal proceedings move ahead.