State applies to have espionage case tried in Camera

By Hannock Kasama

The State has asked the LUSAKA High Court to conduct in camera trial in a matter where LUSAKA businessman SHADRICK KASANDA and four others are charged with espionage linked to the alleged Gold Scam, involving five point seven million dollars.

Chief State Advocate NKUMBIZA MUMBA has applied that the proceedings must be held in camera, claiming that there is sensitive information associated with the case that cannot warrant open court hearing.

Ms. MUMBA has told the court that such information would not only be prejudicial to the interest of the state but also sensitive to some members of public.

She has made the submissions before the panel of three High Court Judges namely SITUMBEKO CHOCHO, CHARLES ZULU and RUTH CHIBBABUKA.

However defence lawyers among them, former Solicitor General ABRAHAM MWANSA and MAKEBI ZULU objected to the Chief State Advocate’s submissions.

The defence lawyers have argued that contrary to the Chief State Advocate’s submissions, it is the accused persons who stand to be prejudiced if the trial is held in camera.

And Chief State Advocate NKUMBIZA MUMBA has further asked the Lusaka High Court to allow the prosecution to amend the charge and add another case of fraudulent dealing in minerals to SHADRICK KASANDA.

Meanwhile Mr. KASANDA and his co-accused denied the charge of espionage related to the alleged Gold Scam.

Mr. KASANDA and his co-accused took plea today following the consent by Director of Public Prosecutions-DPP- GILBERT PHIRI to prosecute the case.

His co-accused are LUSAKA businessman JIM BELEMU along with KENNETH KAUNDA International Airport Police Commanding Officer ROBSON MOONGA, State Security Officer FRANCIS MATEYO and Commercial Pilot PATRICK KAWANU.

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