The case involving Nevers Muchemwe, a PF cader facing assault charge in Serenje magistrate court, again failed to take today because of failure by witnesses to show up.
This is in matter in which Muchemwe of Lusaka’s Kanyama Compound, is alleged to have assaulted Lloyd Kabango of MMD on 19th July 2009 at Chalilo in Chitambo constituency of Serenje district.
Magistrate Happy Chongo warned that he was adjourned the matter for the last time and would dismiss that case if the witnesses failed to show up next time adding that he would also acquit the accused.
Mr. Chongo said in any case where the accused was in the court at the time appointed for the hearing but the complainant having had notice of the time and place appointed for the hearing but the complainant having had notice of the time and place appointed for the hearing but did not appear, he court had powers to dismiss the charge against the accused.
He said this was so because when the accused person appeared in court at he appointed time for trial ready to answer the charge brought against him, he was entitled to have that charge tried without further delay.
“I am therefore adjourned this case for the last time to the 10th August for a possible trial and if the witness does not attend curt on that day, the charge against the accused will be dismissed and accused acquitted, ” he said.
The matter was adjourned on 27th July to today because witnesses failed to show up and M. Chongo urged the prosecution to ensure the witnesses in the matter, were available today for trial.
Muchemwe’s bail was extended.
ZANIS
MMD what is wrong with you. RB has really messed you up. kulabepesha nabakaele. baiche imwe
A sign of Madness in the way you run things..How did they take these cadres to court if they knew that they were not serious? Its very Sad…………….
Mwemfumu, ala iyo case you also know is more political than criminal.
So, why even adjourne it again when they are just wasting the court’s time.
No wonder cases take so long in Zedi as there is minimal case management with no respect for time.
why can’t the witness be arrested and charged with perjury. the witness gave false information to a public officer that he was assaulted.