Suspected bank thieves seek alternative court action

Fri, 09 Feb 2018 09:23:05 +0000

By CHINTU MALAMBO

ELEVEN suspects alleged to have stolen over K10 million from Ecobank have sought leave to engage in an alternative course of action before High Court Judge Mwamba Chanda.

When the matter came up for possible commencement of trial, state prosecutors told the court that they had eight witnesses who were ready to testify but that they were pursuing possibilities for an alternative course of action to avoid delay of trial.

As there was no objection from defence lawyers, Justice Chanda adjournment the matter to February 14, 2018.

In this case, Yotam Banda (alias Amos Mwale), Cashias Machina, Adolf Machina, Raymond Kalenga (businessmen), John Mwape (unemployed), Change Mwanga, Walusungu Soko (security guards), John Siame (driver), Pethias Ngosa, Collins Simfukwe and Chrispin Kabanga (controllers) are charged with aggravated robbery contrary to the Laws of Zambia.

It is alleged that on April 2 last year in Lusaka, Banda and others jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown and whilst armed with a firearm stole K7,580,049.90 and US$159,435.00 and 50 British Pounds totaling K10,161, 779.70 from Ecobank.

The group is also alleged to have used actual violence against Betty Phiri to prevent or overcome resistance from stealing the money.