Magistrate warns state over ‘no-show’ witnesses

MULENGA MUSONDA writes@SunZambian CHOMA Principal Resident Magistrate Idah Mupemo has warned the state that if they fail to bring witnesses at the next sitting in which a man is accused being in possession of offensive weapons, the court will discharge him. Ms Mupemo expressed her displeasure after Public Prosecutor Pearson Chilumbu stated that the state was not ready to proceed with trial as the witnesses in the matter were held up. In this matter, Bidence Chilumbi of Chief Mapanza’s chiefdom in Choma is charged with one count of possession of offensive weapons contrary to section 85(1) of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia. Allegations are that Chilumbi on June 17, 2020 in Choma had two spears and a knife without lawful authority. When the matter came up for trial, Chilumbi who was present went back home with no progress in the matter following the state’s failure to avail the witnesses to substantiate their allegations that he was in possession of the said weapons. Magistrate Mupemo issued a firm warning to the state that on February 8, 2021, if no witness will be present, she will discharge Chilumbi. Chilumbi’s police bond was extended to February 8, 2021.