DPP issues certificate in espionage case

THE Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has issued a certificate not to grant bail to Kelly Kasokela Mweemba, who was accused of espionage as doing so is likely to prejudice the safety and interests of Zambia.

When the matter came up yesterday for explanation of the charge before magistrate Mary Chibanga, the state told the court that they had received a certificate from the DPP not to grant bail to Mweemba.

Mweemba 37, of Lusaka’s Kabanana site and service was charged with espionage and rearrested last week after the state entered a nolle prosequi.

His re-arrest came after the state entered a nolle prosequi on April 4 2018.

In this case, Mweemba, is alleged to have on March 7 2018 conducted an opinion poll which bordered on threat to national security without lawful excuse.

And defense lawyer Nicholas Chanda said the certificate had been maliciously issued.

Mr Chanda wondered why the accused person was granted bail of K50, 000 in the previous matter and would not be granted bail in the same charge which was a bailable offence.

In the previous matter, the state told the court that they had received instructions from the DPP to enter a nolle prosequi in the matter.

Ruling on the bail application has been reserved for April 16 2018.