TRIAL OF 14 TONSE ALLIANCE CADRES IN CHAWAMA ASSAULT AND THEFT CASE FAILS TO COMMENCE
By Nelson Zulu
The trial of 14 opposition Tonse Alliance cadres charged with assaulting a police officer, theft, criminal trespass and malicious damage to property in Lusaka’s Chawama constituency has been postponed after failing to commence in the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court.
The matter was adjourned after defence lawyer Kabaso Lulembo applied for the defence team to be excused from the proceedings to attend the burial of late office of the Public Protector Registrar Innocent Nyambe, who was killed alongside his sister last week.
State Prosecutor Mildred Muchimba opposed the application, arguing that the defence had not demonstrated a close relationship with the deceased to justify the adjournment.
However, Magistrate Mbuvwana Sinvula granted the application, stating that it was not the court's role to determine the degree to which an individual may be affected by bereavement.
The court also directed that the 14th accused, Joel Nyondo, be allowed access to medical care after the defence informed the court that he had allegedly sustained a broken arm and had not received adequate treatment while in custody.
Allegations are that the offences were committed on 5 June 2026, with one of the accused, Happy Siuluta assaulting police Constable Langston Lungu in the execution of his duties and stealing an HP laptop valued at K8,500 belonging to the UPND.
The remaining accused are jointly charged with criminal trespass for allegedly entering UPND premises in John Howard Ward 3 with intent to commit a felony, namely threatening violence and malicious damage to property.
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