‘Gold’ scandal: Kasanda, three others appear in court, to remain in jail on grounds of legal technicalities

Lusaka businessman, Shadrick Kasanda and three other Zambians on Friday appeared before the Magistrate Court in connection with the US$5.7 gold scandal, but could not take plea because the indictment was defective.

Legal counsel, Martha Mushipe, told journalists that the matter could not take off because the nine Egyptians were not before court and were yet to be charged.

“None of the Egyptians have been formally charged, so irregularities with the indictment. Some of the Egyptians have been taken to the hospital, some of them are not well. They have been allowed access to medical facility” Mushipe said.

Appearing before Chief Resident Magistrate Davies Chibwili was Kasanda, Mahogany Air Chief Executive Officer, Jim Belemu, pilot Patrick Kawanu and Oswald Diangamo.

Before the four could take plea, State prosecutor, Glacelia Mulenga,informed the court that none of the nine foreigners were before court and that they had not been formally charged.

Defence lawyer, Nkuwa Botha countered that it was against procedure for the State to bring to court the four accused persons leaving out the other nine.

Magistrate Chibwili then ordered for both parties to appear before him in chambers.

An agitated Kasanda and his co-accused were taken back to Lusaka Central Police.

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