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Ex-Lusaka Province Minister, Bowman Lusambo’s alleged attempt to interfere with witness case failed to take off on Thursday at the Lusaka Magistrate Court.
This was after Lusambo through his lawyer, Emmanuel Phiri, informed the court that the defence was not ready to commence because two witnesses where not before the court.
Meanwhile, Lusambo had requested a summon of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigations officer, Christopher Siwakwi to come and testify in court in his matter as a defense witness.
“We are asking for an adjournment because a witness who is supposed to be on stand is unwell, and also a witness we summoned, Mr. Siwakwi who is not before the court too, we pray the court grants us our plea,” Phiri submitted.
However, the court warned that it would not allow an adjournment in the next sitting.
“This is the last adjournment, next time we shall proceed with the matter because it has taken long, magistrate Trevor Kasanda warned.
In this matter, Lusambo pleaded not guilty to three counts of attempting to interfere with a witness contrary to Section 112 (1) (b) as read with section 389 (1) of the Penal Code Cap 87 of the laws of Zambia.
It was alleged in count one that, Lusambo on a date unknown but between February 1, 2022 and April 30, 2022 in Lusaka with intent to obstruct the due course of justice did endeavour to dissuade or prevent Cosmas Kapula Chalusa to give evidence as a witness before a court of law.
Allegations in count two and three are that, Lusambo between April 1, 2022 and April 30, 2022 in Lusaka did endeavour to dissuade or prevent Ernest Sumani and Mundia Mataa to give evidence as witnesses before a court of law.
The court adjourned the matter to February 26, 2024 for continuation of defence.
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