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The Lusaka High Court has ruled that Chalala residents Smart Mumba and Chanda Majory Lwembo, accused of murdering their 14-year-old maid, Janet Mpundu, have a case to answer.
Justice Vincent Siloka placed the couple on their defence after determining that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against them.
Forensic pathologist Dr. Cordelia Himwaze testified that Mpundu died from multiple blunt impact trauma consistent with assault.
Read more: Forensic pathologist exposes horrific abuse in 14-year-old maid’s murder case
The injuries included punctured abrasions, burns, lacerations, and traumatic nail removal, suggesting the use of both sharp and blunt instruments.
Neighbour and witness Joshua Marimo recounted that Mpundu began her chores as early as 03:00 hours.
On the night of August 28, 2023, he heard cries and screams from the accused’s residence, with the last scream at midnight.
By the following morning, Mpundu was missing, and he observed one of the accused sweeping the yard.
Defence lawyer Chanda Katwishi informed the court that both accused would provide sworn evidence and call three additional witnesses.
However, the defence requested an adjournment, citing challenges in accessing their clients in custody and conducting pre-trial discussions with witnesses.
Justice Siloka granted the adjournment to February 12 but criticized the reasons provided as lacking merit and potentially delaying proceedings unnecessarily.
He further warned that delays caused by the frequent absence of defence lawyer Martha Mushipe would no longer be tolerated.
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