Shikapwasha’s case adjourned to February 5, 2014

The Lusaka magistrate court has adjourned to February 5, 2014 the case in which former Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Ronnie Shikapwasha and two others are charged with abuse of authority of office contrary to Section 99 (1) of the penal code chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.

In this case, Lieutenant General Shikapwasha, a politician, is jointly charged with his former Permanent Secretary Sam Phiri and Freelance journalist Chanda Chimba III.

It is alleged that on dates unknown but between October 1 and November 31, 2010 Lt. Gen. Shikapwasha and Dr Phiri, jointly and whilst acting together, arbitrarily and in disregard of defamation laws and the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) editorial policy directed ZNBC management to broadcast Chanda Chimba’s documentary namely, ‘Stand Up for Zambia’, an act prejudicial to the rights and interests of ZNBC, a public body.

When the case came up for continued trial before Principal Resident Magistrate Obbister Musukwa, the state applied for an adjournment saying the lead prosecutor in the matter, Martin Muyembe had a bereavement.

Magistrate Musukwa granted the state’s application for an adjournment based on the reasons that were given and passed his condolences to Mr. Muyembe’s family.

The defense also had no objection to the state’s application.

The matter has since been adjourned to February 5, 2014 for continuation of trial.