…as she threatens to issue a bench warrant against the arresting officer who had not been brought to court
By GRACE CHAILE
THE State was yesterday squeezed into a tight spot after High Court Judge Chilombo Maka declined to adjourn the case involving Sedrick Kasanda, who is facing allegations of aggravated robbery related to the US$5 million stolen from an Egyptian last year.
Judge Maka in the morning session of her sitting ordered the Lusaka-based arresting officer in the case to appear before her by 14:00 hours warning that a bench warrant could be issued if the officer failed to attend.
The allegations against Kasanda state that on August 13, 2023, he used a pistol to steal US$5 million from Egyptian national Micheal Adel Michel Botros and subsequently threatened or used violence to prevent Botros from reclaiming the stolen funds. This case is linked to a gold scam scandal at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport.
Yesterday, Deputy State Advocate Richard Masempela requested an adjournment until today citing the need to finalise witness arrangements.
However, Judge Maka questioned Mr Masempela’s sincerity, given that the State had previously proposed these dates and assured that witnesses would be present.
Former Solicitor General Abraham Mwansa opposed the adjournment, highlighting that the State had 47 days to prepare its witnesses and noting that Kasanda’s continued detention infringes on his presumption of innocence.
Judge Maka criticised the State’s lax approach to the prosecution and decided to stand down the matter to allow the arresting officer to testify. The case has been adjourned to 14:00 hours today.
When the arresting officer failed to appear, Mr Masempela claimed they were on official duty on the Copperbelt, prompting Judge Maka to reluctantly adjourn the matter to today.
Mr Mwansa applied for Kasanda’s constitutional bail, but Mr Masempela objected, assuring the court that the State would be ready to proceed, with two Egyptian witnesses expected to arrive last evening.
However, Mr Masempela couldn’t guarantee that the witnesses would testify today, leading Judge Maka to reserve her ruling on the constitutional bail application.
The case is linked to a gold scam scandal at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, with Kasanda accused of using a pistol to steal US$5 million from Egyptian Micheal Botros and threatening violence to prevent the victim from reclaiming the funds.
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