MURDER ACCUSED PRAYED FOR HUBBY’S LIFE, COURT TOLD

MURDER accused Tshabu Benos cried as she prayed to God to bring back the life of her husband during her arrest, says Zambia Police reserve constable Kabuku Mwitumwa.

Mr Mwitumwa said this in his testimony when the matter came up before High Court Judge Gertrude Chawatama.

Mr Mwitumwa said Benos, 39, had appeared strong and that she did not protest but willingly accepted to accompany police to the station over inquiries into the alleged murder.

He was testifying in the continued trial over the death of Lusaka businessman Reeves Malambo who died on 20th January, 2017 at Benos’ house where he was alleged to have sustained stab wounds in unclear circumstances.

Mr Mwitumwa was on duty at Kalikilimi Police post under Woodlands Police Station when he was called by a Constable Chiti informing him that his landlord had called him to Hilltop Hospital and wanted him to accompany him, at around 23:30 hours.

Benos, who appeared composed wore a scarf over her head (not neatly done) and maintained a humble look throughout the constable's testimony facing down.

Mr Mwitumwa explained that although Benos seemed composed and even willingly accepted to accompany police to the station over the death of Mr Malambo, she openly cried to God for the life of her "husband."

"When we arrived at Hilltop Hospital, we found a group of people who included one Mumba Mutanuka whom I knew personally, and he told me they brought someone for treatment the person had died.

"I asked her (Benos) to accompany us to the Police Station, in relation to the death of Mr Malambo, she willingly accepted and walked to the car outside, she was stable, but just crying," Mr Mwitumwa explained.

Mr Mwitumwa had earlier told the court that Mr Mutanuka, Benos’ brother told him and other officers present at the hospital that he heard some loud noises from his sister's bedroom which made him to forcibly break down the door and that was when he found Mr Malambo lying on the floor.

And in cross examination, Mr Mwitumwa said Benos was not warned and cautioned before giving her statement at Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe police post, but that she was just asked to explain the events of the evening to the woman constable Bwalya who was on duty.

The State have since asked for an adjournment to allow for the defence to study new evidence that was just filed in the case.

Justice Chawatama set next hearing to 12 and 13th October, 2017.