By LUCY PHIRI
THE Lusaka magistrate has granted Amos Chanda, a K10, 000 bail in his own recognizance after being in dentition for almost a week.
The state however objected strongly to the defence application for bail for the former Presidential Press Aide to President Edgar Lungu, on grounds that the offence he allegedly committed was serious and he might repeat the same when he was out.
Chanda, is facing one count of theft contrary to Section 272 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia and destroying evidence contrary to Section 111 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
When the matter came up yesterday for commencement of plea before Principal Magistrate Ireen Wishimanga, Chanda denied stealing and destroying the evidence.
After plea was taken, Chanda’s Lawyer Timmy Munalula applied for bail on his behalf.
“We are clearly informed that this court has the jurisdiction to grant bail. And speaking to an application of bail pending trial, that this court is based with that jurisdiction following that the case before this court is that of a bailable offence, that is our humble application,” he said.
But the state objected to the application for bail on grounds that the accused might repeat what he allegedly did when he is released on bail.
“This court has discretion to grant bail pending trial, however, our main position to object is on the face of the charges that the accused is faced with. And for that reason, we wish to strongly object. We are of the opinion the accused might repeat the same looking at the case,” said senior state advocate Mukuma Chipawa.
However, the court granted Chanda K10, 000 bail in his own recognizance with two reputable working sureties.
“Indeed the discretion of bail is by the court. That being the case, I grant you bail of K10, 000 in your own recognizance together with two reputable working sureties,” she said.
It is alleged in the first count that on dates unknown, but between May 12, 2020 and October 1, 2022, Chanda together with others unknown did steal a case record number CRMP/001/2020, the property of the government of Zambia.
In the second count, it is alleged that Chanda between May 12, 2020 and October,1 2022, acting together with other persons unknown at Lusaka knowing that the case record CRMP/001/2020 is or may be required in evidence in a judicial proceeding, willfully did destroy it with intent, to prevent it from being used in evidence.
The court has adjourned the matter to November 23, 2022.
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