BY OLIVER SAMBOKO
THE Lusaka Magistrate’s court has closed the case in which NDC leader Chishimba Kambwili is charged with forgery, uttering a false document and giving false information to a public officer after his defence lawyers failed to appear.
When the matter came up for continued defence, yesterday, the prosecution informed Principal Magistrate David Simusamba that they were ready to proceed with the matter.
However, when Kambwili took the stand, his lawyers, Mr Keith Mweemba and others were not present prompting the court to order the closure of the case and set October, 12, 2020 as date of judgment in the matter.
Despite a lawyer from Christopher Mundia’s law firm applying for an adjournment, stating that Kambwili’s lawyers were appearing before higher courts, Magistrate Simusamba refused to grant the application because of the conduct of the lawyers not coming to court.
Ms Jackline Lungu informed the court that State Counsel Musa Mwenye, was appearing before the Court of Appeal.
“We have an application to make. The lawyer in conduct of this matter, State Counsel Mwenye is appearing in the Court of Appeal. We are requesting for an adjournment to the shortest date,” Ms Lungu said.
But Mr Simusamba told Ms Lungu that in the last sitting, he had indicated to the defence that he was not going to allow any more ad-journments.
“I now make the decision that this case is closed. Judgment will be made in 14 days,” Mr Simusamba said, much to the disbelief of Kambwili and his supporters.
Kambwili is facing three counts of forgery, uttering and giving false information to a public officer.
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