Court official in trouble

JOHN KOMBE writes A court interpreter at Chongwe magistrate court and two others have appeared for continued trial in a matter in which they are accused of getting a bribe and aiding a suspect to escape from lawful custody. The court interpreter in Chongwe magistrate court, Francis Chipasha, a police officer of Chongwe police, Jonathan Nyirenda and a Neighborhood Watch committee member, Isaach Mwinga of Libuko village appeared for trial within a trial before magistrate Majory Saasa. The facts before court are that, between 28 September and 4 October 2019 the trio whilst acting together are alleged aided a suspect to escape from lawful custody at Chongwe police. The suspect was to appear in court for a drug related offence. A witness earlier told the court that, he paid the trio the sum of K5,000 for the favour. However, police later discovered the absence of the suspect during a check. Investigations were instituted which connected the trio to the matter. They were then apprehended and indicted for the said offence. The trio were before court, but the case could not take off as the trial court was not sitting. The court adjourned the matter to 16 September for continued trial within a trial. They are all on police bond and await their appearance in court on the stated date. The Sun