Court dismayed with case delays

MULENGA MUSONDA writes@sunzambianThe Choma Magistrates Court has expressed dismay at the delay by the State to close its case in the matter in which two men are accused of stealing 6 Cows valued at over K30,000.In this matter Kelvin Sianjase 37 and Timson Choongo 43, both Farmers residing in Chief Siachitema’s Chiefdom in Kalomo are […]

Court dismayed with case delays
MULENGA MUSONDA writes@sunzambianThe Choma Magistrates Court has expressed dismay at the delay by the State to close its case in the matter in which two men are accused of stealing 6 Cows valued at over K30,000.In this matter Kelvin Sianjase 37 and Timson Choongo 43, both Farmers residing in Chief Siachitema’s Chiefdom in Kalomo are facing two counts of Stock Theft Contrary to the Laws of Zambia.Allegations in count one are that the two, jointly and whilst acting together stole 2 Oxens valued at K12,000 the property of Bishop Muntanga.In count two, they are jointly accused of stealing 4 Oxens valued at K20,000 the property of Loti Chimi.The alleged incidents are said to have happened in the month of June 2020 in Choma district and according to the arresting Officer the two were apprehended in Mkushi District.When the matter came up for trial, Resident Magistrate Ethel Phiri expressed her displeasure after the State applied for an adjournment instead of closing their case immediately the arresting officer Constable Norman Chisenga gave his testimony.Magistrate Phiri warned that if at the next sitting the State will not be ready to proceed they should close their case as the matter has delayed especially that the two have been in custody since July 2020.The matter will come up on October 2 for continued trial. The Sun