By LUCY PHIRI
LUSAKA magistrate Trevor Kasanda has found former Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo with a case to answer in a matter he is facing three counts of attempting to interfere with a witness.
Magistrate Kasanda in his ruling yesterday said the court has analysed the evidence from the prosecution and also considered defense’s submission and it found a prima facie case against Lusambo.
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.
Magistrate Kasanda further ruled that the evidence of the prosecution was sufficient to place Lusambo on his defence.
“The court has established after the prosecution that sufficient evidence had been produced to prove the case beyond any reasonable doubt. A prima facie had been established to warrant the court place him on his defence to explain the side of his story on the allegations. I therefore find the accused person with a case to answer and I have put him on his defence” he ruled.
Meanwhile, the Defence team from Makebi Zulu Advocates submitted before the court that their client will give sworn evidence and call more than five witnesses to aid his defence.
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 Kapula 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 endeavour to dissuade or prevent Ernest Sumani and Mundia Mataa to give evidence as witnesses before a court of law.
The court has set April, 22 for defence.
