Language barrier prevents court case for Congolese nationals

—The Nchelenge Magistrates’ Court in Luapula Province yesterday could not proceed with the case involving eight Congolese nationals because of language barrier.

The eight Congolese nationals are charged with the offence of entering and remaining in Zambia without valid documents.

The offence is contrary to Section 11(3) as read with Section 52(1) and Section 56(1) of Act number 18 of the 2010 of the Immigration and Deportation Act Chapter 123 of the Laws of Zambia.

When the case came for plea, magistrate Robert Mulauzi said the he could not proceed because there was no Swahili interpreter.

“We have no Swahili interpreter and as such plea cannot be taken because of the language barrier,” magistrate Mulauzi said.

However, magistrate Mulauzi said the services of the interpreter have been secured for the next sitting and adjourned the matter to January, 15, 2014 for plea.

Before magistrate Mulauzi were Vincent Simbo, Safi Doudu, Bahati Byamungu, Furah Tumani, Andre Lubunga, Jacque Lubumba, Furah Vesiane and Sakina Mazambi.

Particulars of the offence are that the octet on December 5, 2013, at Chienge district of Luapula Province of the Republic of Zambia, jointly and whilst acting together, entered and remained in Zambian without valid travel documents and failed to report their presence in the country to the immigration office.

Meanwhile a house wife charged with the offence of grievous harm has pleaded guilty before the Nchelenge magistrate court.

Before magistrate Mulauzi was Phales Lungu, who stood charged with one count of causing grievous bodily harm, contrary to Section 229 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

Lungu admitted causing grievous bodily harm to Patrick Mwelwa. “I poured hot porridge on him and he suffered injuries and I had no legal right to do so,” she said.

And the four people, among the three juveniles charged with three counts each of breaking into a building and committing a felony, have pleaded guilty to the offence.

Before magistrate Mulauzi was Samuel Chomba, aged 20, and three juveniles, who is jointly charged with three juveniles aged between 15 and 16 years for breaking into a building and committing a felony therein, contrary to Section 303(a) of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

The case has been adjourned to January, 21, 2014 for the social welfare report.