By 
Lusaka Senior Magistrate, Irene Wishimanga, has heard how a thief broke into state Prosecutor’s vehicle, stole a laptop and notepad containing information in a case involving ex-Foreign Affairs Minister, Joseph Malanji, and ex-Secretary to the Treasury, Fredson Yamba.
In this matter, Malanji and Yamba are charged with ten counts of willful failure to comply with laid down procedures and possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime.
Yamba was charged with two counts of willful failure to comply with laid down procedures while Malanji is facing eight counts of being in possession of property suspected to be proceeds.
When the matter came up on Thursday for continuation of trial, state prosecutor Monica Mwansa informed the court that she was unable to proceed with the matter as she and the witness needed time to stabilise.
Mwansa told the court that she was emotionally disturbed and needed time to stabilise after a theft scandal, which happened to them on Wednesday night.
She explained that on Wednesday night, July 26, 2023 around 21:10 hours, a thief broke into her vehicle and stole a laptop and note pad which contained information in the matter.
“We could not proceed because both the witness and myself, are emotionally disturbed after a theft that happened last night at Water Falls Mall.
“Shortly after meeting the witness around 21:10 hours, my vehicle was broken into and a laptop was stolen with my note books containing information for our case. It has been traumatizing for both myself, and the witness and we thought we needed to ask the court to give us some time to stabilize,” Mwansa submitted.
Mwansa said the other Prosecutor was not available to proceed with the matter.
“Our other colleague would also not come and proceed because he is not available today. So, with such incident, it has been a red flag as it is being considered as a threat to our lives.
“There has been a number of other things also being considered. It is not a mere coincidence… it is not the kind of breaking in that would happen to any person,” she submitted.
The defence team, which comprised Makebi Zulu and others did not object to the application to adjourn the matter.
The court has since set September 14 as trial date.
It is alleged in the first count that between January, 1, 2020 and August, 31, 2021 at Lusaka, being Secretary to the Treasury, jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown did willfully fail to comply with the law in the manner he allegedly allocated and authorized the transfer of K108, 401, 197.00 to the Zambian Mission Account in Turkey for the procurement of real estate among others.
It is also alleged in the other counts that Malanji between January, 1, 2020 and August, 31 , 2021 in Lusaka possessed a BELL 430 JET RANGER Helicopter, property reasonably suspected of being proceeds of crime.
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