ZAF officer’s death: state, family fail to agree settlement

THE state and the relatives of murdered ZAF officer Mark Choongwa have reached a deadlock in a matter in which the deceased’s family is demanding for compensation for loss of expectation of life.

This is in a matter in which late sergeant Choongwa's elder brother Chilala and the widow Esther Nundwe Choongwa, sued the state and six police officers behind the death of sergeant Choongwa demanding K3 million over the death of their relative.

Both parties in this matter had agreed to settle the matter out of court.

But they have failed to reach an agreement.

When the matter came up before Lusaka high court Judge Mapani Kawimbe, lawyer representing the family confirmed to the court that the parties have failed to reach a settlement.

The court has since directed that the matter proceeds to trial.

The state has not filed any defense since the matter was brought to court.

Trial will begin on February 9, 2017.

The state had asked for 60 days to settle the matter ex curia in which time they have failed to do so.

The claim in this matter is that Sergeant Choongwa was allegedly assaulted by Chief inspector Veronica Lucy Shawa, constable Mike Kapale, and Mable Mbwita, reserve constables Lyton Mwale, James Ngulube and Joseph Kasongo at woodlands police station where they detained him for a traffic offense.