Trial fails in UPND cadres’ case

TRIAL yesterday failed to off in a case 11 United Party for National Development (UPND) cadres have been charged with idle and disorderly persons.

The accused persons were arrested on December 23, 2020 when they and others went to offer solidarity to their leader Mr Hakainde Hichilema when he appeared for questioning at police headquarters.

Trial was scheduled to start yesterday before Lusaka Magistrate Albert Mwaba but after the case was called there was no docket before court.

The case has been adjourned to February 10, 2021 and bail for all the accused persons has been extended.

On December 31, 2020, Mr. Mwaba granted the cadres bail of K10, 000 each in their own recognizance after they denied one count of idle and disorderly persons, contrary to Section 178 (c) of the Penal Code.

Particulars of offence are that on the material date the accused persons together conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause breach of peace.

It was during the same event that public prosecutor Nsama Nsama Chipyoka and a UPND cadre Joseph Kaunda of Kafue were shot dead in unclear circumstances.

The accused persons are Ackland Katamanga of house number 10/44 Kafue, Habinga Mainza of John Laing in Lusaka, Marco Siyabukulu of Ng’ombe compound, and Joseph Mbuzi, also of Lusaka.

Others are Edwin Chembo Luwinje of plot 1522 Kaunda Square in Lusaka, Kamanga Siambili of Kalingalinga in Lusaka, Peter Musoka, a general worker of Kanyama compound in Lusaka, and Briston Simuyendo, 21, of Mtendere compound also in Lusaka.

The rest are Charles Musonda, 45, a bus driver of Garden Site 3, Ganizani Moonga,

29, a cashier of Chalala, and Chrispine Chipanga, all of Lusaka.