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The trial of former First Lady, Esther Lungu, and four others on charges of motor vehicle theft faced a setback after proceedings were adjourned due to her absence.
Lungu is jointly charged with police officers James Phiri and Lee Chisulo, along with Kapambwe Lungu and Catherine Banda.
The group is accused of stealing three vehicles in a case before Magistrate Mbuywana Sinvula.
With the prosecution yet to close its case, the trial was scheduled to continue on Wednesday but was adjourned in chambers.
The matter will return for mention on February 26, with trial resuming on March 24.
The accused allegedly stole a Mitsubishi Canter belonging to Lungu’s niece, Elizabeth Phiri, as well as a Toyota Runx from Phiri and a Toyota Alex from Furhana Patel.
Meanwhile, in a separate case before Magistrate Kawama Mwamfuli, former Kasama Member of Parliament Kelvin Sampa has pleaded not guilty to charges of stealing over K150,000 from Nigerian businessman Augustus Inyang Akpan.
Sampa, 52, a businessman, is jointly charged with 44-year-old police officer, Richard Shula.
The two are accused of stealing $5,600 and K6,600 from Akpan on January 5, 2024, while acting together with unknown individuals.
Their trial is set to begin on March 18, and their bond has been extended.
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