Kambwili falls sick again, skips court
THE case of unlawful assembly involving National Democratic Congress (NDC) consultant Chishimba Kambwili and 11 others yesterday failed to take off as the outspoken politician was reported to be unwell.
Yesterday, the case was set for commencement of trial in a Luanshya Magistrates’ Court but defence lawyer Caristo Mukonka informed the court that his client was unwell to stand trial.
It is alleged that Kambwili and 11 others on November 25 last year in Luanshya unlawfully assembled with intent to carry out some common purpose.
They allegedly conducted themselves in such a manner as to cause persons in the neighbourhood to fear that they will commit a breach of peace. The matter is before Ndola Principal Resident magistrate Obister Musukwa where Kambwili and 11 others denied the charge.
When the matter was called out, the state said they were ready to proceed with two witnesses, but Mr Mukonka said his client was unwell.
The magistrate granted the application and adjourned the case to tomorrow.
On November 25, last year scores of AVIC International workers, constructing houses for the Ministry of Home Affairs in Luanshya, protested demanding better conditions of service and contracts.
They marched to Kambwili’s residence where he addressed them.
The Roan lawmaker was summoned but did not appear at Copperbelt division headquarters in Ndola and opted to lodge a complaint at service headquarters in Lu saka.
However, he was apprehended in Lusaka and bundled into a police vehicle which drove him to Luanshya where he was detained.
Meanwhile, High Court Judge Conceptor Zulu has recused herself from handling a matter where PF secretary general Davis Mwila sued Chishimba Kambwili for defamation.
Justice Zulu said she could not preside on the matter because she had worked with Mr Kambwili in Luanshya.
"This record was allocated to me on December 17 2018. I however wish to recuse myself because I have personally worked with the defendant during my tenure of office as Administrator General and Official Receiver,
"The Administrator General and Receiver was in charge of RAMCOZ a company whose assets are situated in Luanshya, the parliamentary constituency of the defendant.
"I accordingly recuse myself and request that the matter be re-allocated to another judge," Justice Zulu said.