By LUCY PHIRI
Former Lusaka Province Minister, Bowman Lusambo told me not to testify in the matter he is jointly accused with his wife Nancy Lusambo of being in possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime, former Ndola Town Clerk, Cosmas Kafula Chalusa has told the court.
Chalusa, 48, was testifying in a case in which Lusambo is charged with three counts of attempting to interfere with a witness.
In this matter, Lusambo pleaded not guilty to three counts of attempting to interfere with a witness contrary to Section 112 (1) (b) as read with section 389 (1) of the Penal Code Cap 87 of the laws of Zambia.
Responding to a question made by one of the defence Lawyers, Ms. Melissa Phiri in cross examination, who asked if Lusambo told the witness not to testify in the matter? Mr Chalusa confirmed that Lusambo told him not to testify in the matter.
Mr Chalusa testified that he came to court on April 7 th, 2022 and was seated outside the court with other witnesses in the matter Lusambo is jointly charged with his wife on 10 counts of possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime.
“Around 09:00hours I was seated with other witnesses namely, Mr. Harry Shamenda, Mr Ernest Sumani, and Mundia Maata outside the court and Lusambo was also coming towards where we were seated, he approached where we were and told us, “These things they have called me for here, you are wasting your time, you are innocent people, these are politics, leave politics to us,” then he proceeded on his way, Mr Chalusa said.
He narrated that after the court session was adjourned, Lusambo came out and he was talking to the journalist and an Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) officer saying in Bemba “akukopeni kopeni nababene ba Christopher Siwakwi.
Trial continues.
“We went outside the court in the car park Lusambo came, he was with the wife who entered the vehicle and drove, he walked towards us with my fellow witnesses and he was alone he told us, “I told you that these issues are not going anywhere” they are being referred to the high as there was an application” he was using both English and Bemba saying tapali ifilipo apa balemichusha fye meaning there is nothing here, they are just troubling you,” he said.
Mr Chalusa said, later in the evening around 21: 00, he made a phone call to Mr Sumani, one of the witnesses, to discuss what had transpired during the day at court but quickly informed him that he had received a call from Lusambo requesting to meet him.
Further in Cross examination, Emmanuel Phiri asked if Mr. Chalusa knew Lusambo and were friends? He said yes, they were friends.
Mr. James Tembo also asked the witness to confirm if Lusambo hindered him from testifying freely and voluntarily, he said no.
It is alleged in count one that Lusambo on a date unknown but between February 1, 2022, and April 30, 2022, in Lusaka with intent to obstruct the due course of justice did endeavor to dissuade or prevent Cosmas Kafula Chalusa to give evidence as a witness before a court of law.
Allegations in count two and three are that Lusambo between April 1, 2022, and April 30, 2022, in Lusaka did endeavor to dissuade or prevent Ernest Sumani and Mundia Mataa to give evidence as witnesses before a court of law.
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