Secretary’s forgery case stalls

RABECCA BANDA writes A matter where a secretary to minister of Labour and Social Security allegedly forged a K15,000 cheque has failed to continue at the magistrates court. Before magistrate Felix Kaoma was Nyembezi Masiye, 47, of Chilenje Township charged with three counts of forgery, uttering false documents and theft. It is alleged that on August 26 last year, Masiye, with intent to defraud and deceive, forged cheque number 000354 purporting to show that the signatory had paid her K15,000 when in fact it was a false. In the second count, it is alleged that on October 10 last year, Masiye uttered the false cheque number 000354 to Indo Zambia Bank. In the third count, it is alleged that on the same date, Masiyestole K10,000 belonging to Minister of Labour and Social Security Joyce Simukoko. When the matter come up for continued trial today, the court could not proceed with trial as the witness on stand was absent. The prosecutor informed magistrate Kaoma that they are unable to continue with trial and asked the court to allow  the arresting office take stand to explain why the witness was absent.  Robam Mwamba 44 a police officer said he is aware that it is his obligation to ensure that witnesses go to court.  Mwamba said he called Ms. Simukoko and she informed him that she has a swollen leg and was put on bed rest.  Mwamba said because of that she was unable to come to court. The prosecutor applied for an adjournment stating that the court cannot proceed to   another witness when there was already a witness on stand. Magistrate Kaoma warned the officer to bring all witnesses at the next sitting. Masiye is expected to cross examine Ms. Simukoko over the testimony she gave in court. The Sun