STATE WARNED IN KACHASU CASE

MULENGA MUSONDA WRITES The Choma Magistrates Court has asked the State to put its house in order or they risk having the woman accusedof unlawful possession of Kachasu acquitted. Resident Magistrate Ethel Phiri expressed her displeasure towards the Prosecution after they failed to bring witnesses for the second time to testify against Nchimunya Mwiinga. In this matter Ignatius Ndeleki , 38, a Bus Driver, Brighton Hakalembe ,30, Bus Conductor stood charged with Nchimunya Mwiinga ,3 4, a Hairdresser before they were convicted for Unlawful Possession of illicit beer contrary to the Laws of Zambia. Particulars of the offence are that the three jointly and whilst acting together had in their possession 41×20 litres of Kachasu without a permit as required by Law. The three were apprehended on August 11 in Choma district of Southern Province. When they appeared for plea earlier, Ndeleki and Hakalembewillingly admitted the charge against them and were fined K90 each while Mwiinga denied any wrong doing. But when the matter came up for commencement of trial for the second time, Public Prosecutor Gerald Tembo informed the Court that the State was not ready to proceed as the witnesses were not before Court. The application did not seem to sit  well with the Court, which inquired   why it has taken the State long to bring witnesses who reside within Choma. Magistrate Phiri reluctantly allowed the adjournment to September 14, but warned that if witnesses will not be present at the next sitting the State should make necessary applications or she will acquit the accused person. Mwiinga is still on Police bond. The Sun