Keith Mukata has case to answer-Court
MURDER accused Chilanga Member of Parliament Keith Mukata and his co-accused Charmaine Musonda have been found with a case to answer in the Lusaka High Court.
This is in a matter in which they are accused of murdering a security guard.
In this matter, Mr Mukata and Musonda are facing one count of murdering Namakambwa Kalilakwenda, a security guard who had been on duty at AKM legal practitioners, the law firm belonging to Mr Mukata on May 6 2017.
It was alleged that the deceased was shot dead at the said law firm located in :oadspar , Ale; <asala :oad.
When the matter came up for ruling on the no case to answer, High Court judge Susan Wanjelani said she had considered submissions by counsel from both sides and that if it so appeared that at the close of prosecution’s evidence, a case was not made out sufficiently, the court was at liberty to dismiss and acquit the accused.
In their earlier submissions, the prosecution argued that the firearm that was recovered at the scene of crime belonged to Mukata and there was no evidence that excluded the accused from the scene of crime. But the defence argued that the scene of crime was contaminated as there were a lot of people at Mukata’s premises and that there was no evidence to show that Mukata’s firearm was the one that was used to shoot at the deceased.
However, justice Wanjelani found both accused persons with a case to answer and therefore placed them on their defence.
In her ruling she said the prosecution had proved their case beyond reasonable doubt and she was satisfied with the evidence before her.
“Having heard the evidence and read the submissions before me, it is my view that prosecution have proved their case and I put the accused on their defence,” Justice Wanjelani said.
Defence counsel Eric Silwamba however, told the court that the rights had been explained to the accused who have since opted to remain silent but would adduce evidence before court.
The accused are being represented by State Counsel Eric Silwamba, Lubinda Linyama and Willis Muhanga.
The matter will come up on November 14, 2017 for opening of defence.