By LUCY PHIRI
Lusaka Magistrate, Chrispin Hampungani has recused himself from handling the case of Chitambala Mwewa of Simon Mwewa Lane TV in the case in which he was dragged to court for defamation against Patrotic front PF Chawama member of Parliament Tasila Lungu Mwansa.
The magistrate has sent the case back for reallocation. The matter which came up yesterday at the Lusaka Magistrate before magistrate Chrispin Hampungani attracted Mr Mwewa’s social media fans who thronged the courtroom.The matter came up for plea, where Tasila’s lawyer Makebi Zulu raised preliminary issues questioning the manner in which bail was granted.
And Mwewa’s Lawyer Andy Wright condemned the manner in which Mwewa was arrested, saying it was wrongly done as the police used his cousin’s number to apprehend him. He said as he (Mwewa) was taken to court, records showed that there was no formal applications of the matter and the prosecution was not present and the matter was heard in chambers.
Meanwhile the magistrate said the concept of the application stage was not brought to the attention of the court which is not the best way to issue the warrant. He ruled that the case was a misdemeanor and that any court could have granted bail.
The magistrate therefore sent back the matter for reallocation saying he does not want to be seen to be interfering with justice. The matter will come up on Monday for allocation
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