NDOZO LODGES BOSS ORDERED TO GO FOR PSYCHIATRIC TEST

THE Lusaka Magistrate has ordered Ndozo Lodges proprietor Chrint Sichamba to visit a psychiatrist at Chainama Hospital to ascertain the state of his mind so that the court could proceed with the case.

This is after the Defence team represented by Mr Willis Muhanga raised a preliminary issue in court that their client was unable to take plea because of health reasons.

However, Ms Irene Wishimanga in her ruling yesterday said since the results from the University teaching hospital (UTH) were not ready before the court as ordered, the accused person was to be taken to Chainama Hospital to be examined by a psychiatrist.

She said the court could not proceed because in a previous sitting, the defence raised an issue that their client was unable to take a plea because of health reasons. This is in a matter in which Sichamba, his wife Eudora Nambela and his son David Sichamba are charged with corruption involving over K781 million and more than US$10 million.

Mr Muhanga submitted that his team wrote and presented their client to the University Teaching Hospital.

However, the senior medical superintendent advised that the letter was sent directly to the court.

“They wish to constitute a team of medical experts to undertake the examination that you ordered. And according to them, they stated that they have finalised the report to be presented to court by Friday, 23rd September, 2022. In short, the report is not ready before you,’’ he said.

Previously, Mr Muhanga informed the court that his client was not in a position to take plea because after medical examination at the University Teaching hospital (UTH) the report revealed that he was not able to understand any language and was not capable of expressing himself in speech.

“My client is not able to take plea because he is not capable of following the procedure due to medical reasons," he said.

He also quoted article 18 which Mr Muhanga said emphasises the need for a fair trial, the need for anyone who is charged with any offence to receive a fair trial.

The matter comes up on October 7, 2022 for a Hospital report.