A Zambia National marketers association (ZANAMA) cleaner at Chisokone market in Kitwe has testified that he saw Nkana member of parliament Mwenya Musenge at ZANAMA offices when the coffin was being brought at the market.
This is in a case where Musenge and eight others have been charged with riotous behavior and causing damage to property contrary to section 83 of the penal code Cap 87 of the laws of Zambia.
All the accused have denied the charge and are being represented by five lawyers Bonaventure Mutale, Leonard Kasumba, David Katongo, Fred Mulenga and Derrick Mulenga. .
The cleaner Hiness Kalunga aged 53 years of 1686 Chimwemwe township told the court that she saw smoke coming from the ZANAMA office where Musenga was coming from through the back door when a mob of marketers carrying a coffin was heading towards the office.
She said there was confusion at the market as marketeers stamped about and this prompted her to rush to the police station to inform the market leaders who where already at the station.
Another witness, a cashier at ZANAMA office, Fancy Kabaghe, 23 of 1972 Kwacha East in Kitwe said he heard the co-accused Zambia Traders and Marketeers Association (ZATMA) officials Chris Musunka, Evans Witika, and a Mr. Mpondela threatening that the office (ZANAMA) will be burnt down as the four were leaving the office.
Facts before the court are that Musenge David Katongo, Patrick Chongo, Watiki, Musunka, Jonathan Manda, Mulunda Mwaanza and Misheck Sipalo on January 7 this year jointly and while acting together unlawfully destroyed property belonging to ZANAMA.
The accused appeared yesterday for continued trial before magistrate Tamara Gondwe.
The state has called 10 witnesses in the case which has been adjourned to March 24 and 25, 2010 for continued trial.
ZANIS