Freelance journalist, Wilson Pondamali, who is suspected of having links to popular news website Zambian Watchdog, appeared in the Kabwe Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 21 August 2013, but the case failed to take off because no instructions were received from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for the matter to proceed.
The journalist is facing charges of theft of a library book and being in possession of military stores. This is the second time the case has failed to take off.His 21 August court appearance followed one on Thursday, 15 August which failed to take off as the prosecution was reportedly not ready to commence without instruction from the Director of Public Prosecutions Mutembo Nchito.
Access to the Zambian Watchdog, along with another news website, Zambia Reports has been blocked by authorities in the country.
Communicating via Facebook, Pondamali said his case had now been adjourned to Monday, 30 September 2013. “We are still awaiting instructions from DPP and matter has been adjourned to 30th September, 2013 for another mention and possible trial,” he wrote.
The journalist is facing two other charges of malicious damage to government property and attempting to flee from lawful custody. For these, he will be appearing in court on Friday, 30 August 2013. Pondamali also said his bail had been extended.
MISA continues to track developments in Zambia.
Woww!! This Guy is a snatch. I hope he gets what he deserves.
ya you are right this man deserves justice.
Sorry if this is a double Post.
@Mwaka
I’m not familiar with the meaning of ‘Snatch’ in this context. As a noun, it means a vajay jay. But I’m sure you’re saying something positive about the freedom of the Fourth Estate.
Why are PF people so mean spirited!!! They blog with so much hatred out of their hearts. They are calling for people to be caged or even killed (case Barotse issue). They have the power and mandate from the people. Instead of being magnanimous, they are evil and vindictive. I wonder, is this a Bemba trait since most PF members are Bemba’s. I have some very good Bemba friends, I just hope they don’t stub me in the back when I am not around them?
just live the man alone all the charges you have against him are unfounded.maybe all those things were just planted there by the govt shushushuz.honestly hw can a journalist be in possession ofmilitary stores?this is utter nonsense and rubish by the govt.
just like the zambianwatchdog page on facebook which pf can nothing about.
Library book? Military stories? This case sounds like the beginning of a very funny joke.
“Joke” huh, It will even be more funny when he’s found with a case and convicted.
Prosecutor: ‘The prosecution will show that this vile criminal failed to return the Library book on the stipulated date of 21 July 2013!’
Defence: ‘Objection! Today is 13 July 2013!”
Prosecution: ‘So what’s your point?”
Defence: “…………”
Turns to judge who shrugs with a ‘see what i have to deal with’ expression on his face…..
LOL. yes, along those lines.
It’s issues like this that are destroying P.F. Surely are the people advising Sata educated? This case is a useless waste of time & resources, & looks very wishy- washy, similar to Andrew Banda’s case “Insulting the Big man” & The Vermox de- worming ecstasy saga. These cases make P.F. appear like witch – hunting charlatans. Please bring Solid/ Valid cases to court!
This bears a similarity to justice under Idi Amin Dada, where Non – Educated Delinquents, were running the justice system, remember??
just release him. he has no case to answer. pf should deal with their in fighting.
but ba pf ubukopo. so those charges were curtailed by summer lawyer hehe lol very funny, anothe nolle fimo fimo
Lmao joke of the day please not even retards would come up with such stupid charges atleast get one intelligent guy from mmd or upnd who can help you guys with smart ways of dealing with guys like the reporter this kaponya behaviour is over rated in pf please find real lawyers that can actually win a case not thugs
As always!
Stealing a library book? Vermox de-worming tablets? Are these matters that the State can WASTE time on? Surely. Come up with real issues that endager national security, so that the Lordships can earn their pay, not malabishi ya nsanya aya about Vermox! All the same, thank you Boma for providing opportunity for mirth (laughter)!!!
We certainly need humour in Zambia! Lets laugh about deworming, military jokes, potato cuts, riffraffs and rehearsing drawings for presidential mansions! Never a dull moment in zed.
Nule Prosequie in making?
You dint want to knw about WINTER being imposed on Napsa as lawyer. And you didnt want us to know about charlie sex getting the zesco contract. ZWD is the way to go.
watchdog we missed you.these pf guys will rot in hell
Cage ’em animos!
ANOTHER EMBARRASSING CASE FOR PF & IT’S LEADERSHIP. BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO CASE, THEY COME UP WITH THESE S.T.U.PI.D CHARGES. WHAT A WASTE OF TIME AND CHOCKING ALREADY JAM-PACKED PRISONS. SOMETHING IS SERIOUSLY WRONG WITH THE WAY OUR LEADERS THINK.
With the tail between his legs and leaning against a tree as usual, where is the dog barking from now?