By ANDREW MUKOMA
SIX months after their abduction, the case of the missing Hatembo siblings again could not take off in the Choma magistrates court because the state witnesses felt insecure.
The state has now applied for the matter to be transferred to Mansa.
State witnesses in the abduction case of Pheluna and Milton Hatembo feel insecure in Choma where the matter was being held.
The Hatembo siblings disappeared on February 17th, 2021 after signing a letter disavowing their intentions to claim their 2000 hectares farm in Kalomo which they claim was fraudulently acquired by UPND president, Hakainde Hichilema.
Yesterday, the matter in which Ackson Sejani and four other UPND officials are facing abduction charges could not take off.
This was after the state applied to have the matter which is before the Choma Magistrate’s Court be transferred to Mansa.
Other accused persons in the case are Senior Chief Mukuni’s wife, Veronica Mukuni, former Choma and Mazabuka Mayors; Javen Simoloka and Vincent Lilanda, and Choma businessman Fines Malambo.
The State has applied for determination before the Livingstone High Court that the matter be heard in Mansa on account that the state witnesses were insecure.
Defence lawyer Cornelius Mweetwa of Mwimbu Mulaza and Company has confirmed the development to journalists in Livingstone.
Mr Mweetwa explained that the matter could not take place as scheduled because the court was unavailable.
He said now that the matter has not been determined, the trial which was set for July 27, this year will not proceed.
He said that both the state and defence have not agreed on the new dates on when the matter should be determined.
The Hatembo siblings went missing after their case against Mr Hichilema failed on account of time barred.
After the family had agreed to appeal the matter, the siblings Milton and Pheluna dramatically disappeared and only appeared briefly in a video but never physically to any of their relatives.
Hatembos’ abduction case fails to take off
By ANDREW MUKOMA
| S |
IX months after their abduction, the case of the missing Hatembo siblings again could not take off in the Choma magistrates court because the state witnesses felt insecure.
The state has now applied for the matter to be transferred to Mansa.
State witnesses in the abduction case of Pheluna and Milton Hatembo feel insecure in Choma where the matter was being held.
The Hatembo siblings disappeared on February 17th, 2021 after signing a letter disavowing their intentions to claim their 2000 hectares farm in Kalomo which they claim was fraudulently acquired by UPND president, Hakainde Hichilema.
Yesterday, the matter in which Ackson Sejani and four other UPND officials are facing abduction charges could not take off.
This was after the state applied to have the matter which is before the Choma Magistrate’s Court be transferred to Mansa.
Other accused persons in the case are Senior Chief Mukuni’s wife, Veronica Mukuni, former Choma and Mazabuka Mayors; Javen Simoloka and Vincent Lilanda, and Choma businessman Fines Malambo.
The State has applied for determination before the Livingstone High Court that the matter be heard in Mansa on account that the state witnesses were insecure.
Defence lawyer Cornelius Mweetwa of Mwimbu Mulaza and Company has confirmed the development to journalists in Livingstone.
Mr Mweetwa explained that the matter could not take place as scheduled because the court was unavailable.
He said now that the matter has not been determined, the trial which was set for July 27, this year will not proceed.
He said that both the state and defence have not agreed on the new dates on when the matter should be determined.
The Hatembo siblings went missing after their case against Mr Hichilema failed on account of time barred.
After the family had agreed to appeal the matter, the siblings Milton and Pheluna dramatically disappeared and only appeared briefly in a video but never physically to any of their relatives.
