LANGUAGE BARRIER KEEPS CONGOLESE IN REMAND

By  Mulenga Musonda The 41 years old Congolese Businessman who entered Zambia illegally to sell silver and aquamarine minerals has continued to languish in remand custody following the struggle by the court to secure a Swahili interpreter. Gyan Allen Kasongo appeared before Magistrate Muyambango Munukayumbwa earlier on March 15, 2021 charged with two counts; Illegal Entry into Zambia and Unlawful Stay in the Country has continued to remain in custody due to the lack of an interpreter for his trial to commence. Allegations in the first count are that Kasongo being a Congolese national entered Zambia through Mokambo Border Control without passing through the immigration office. In count two, Kasongo is charged with unlawful stay in the country. This is after he entered Zambia illegally and failed to formalise his stay with the department of Immigration and Deportations. The alleged incidents are said to have occurred between February 1, and March 5, 2021 in Choma district where he was apprehended from. Kasongo has denied both charges and insists that he has valid documents that are still in the custody of the authorities. When his matter came up for commencement of trial before Court, hearing could not take off as there was no interpreter to translate in Swahili, but the Court promised that on the next date a translator will be available. The matter was adjourned to May 17, 2021 for trial. Kasongo was remanded in custody.