Katuta Threat Trial Deferred

Published from Blogger Prime Android AppMagistrate reschedules the case to October to give defense more time to prepare

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 – (1-09-2025) – The Lusaka Magistrate’s Court has adjourned proceedings in the case in which Chienge Member of Parliament Given Katuta is facing a charge of allegedly threatening violence against Times of Zambia photojournalist Henry Chunza.

Defense counsel Chifumu Banda SC applied for the adjournment, citing difficulties in coordinating with his junior colleagues who had been assigned to handle pre-trial sessions.

He informed the court that despite repeated attempts to reach them, he received no feedback on progress made.
Published from Blogger Prime Android App
Mr. Banda further told the court that the accused had also been unable to contact another defense lawyer.

He explained that his own travel commitments had contributed to the challenge.

Magistrate Idah Phiri granted the application, noting the defense’s concerns, and rescheduled the matter for mention on October 1, with hearings set for October 30 and 31.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Brother, A Leader, A Lesson

Image
 Bishop Mwamba’s Tribute to Lungu Lusaka, Zambia24, Thursday, June 5, 2025 – United National Independence Party (UNIP) President Bishop Trevor Mwamba has paid tribute to the late Sixth Republican President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, describing him as a man of the people, a personal friend, and a national figure whose life and leadership offer Zambia both memory and lesson. In a statement delivered Thursday, Bishop Mwamba extended condolences to the Lungu family, the Patriotic Front, and the entire nation, while encouraging citizens to reflect not only on the man Lungu was, but on the legacy he leaves behind. “I, Bishop Trevor Mwamba, extend my sincere sympathies to the Lungu family, the Patriotic Front, and the Zambian people on the passing of His Excellency Edgar Chagwa Lungu,” he said.  “As President of UNIP, I also convey our party’s deep condolences at this moment of national loss.” Recalling Lungu as his former classmate, Mwamba spoke warmly of the former president’s personal qualities—h...
Read more

UNZA Unions set to hold strike ballot after failed conciliation talks

Image
Pumulo ... The University of Zambia Professional Staff Union (UNZAPROSU), UNZALARU, and UNZAWU are proceeding with a strike ballot after months of unproductive negotiations, citing unresolved issues related to compensation, working conditions, and a severe funding shortfall affecting the university's operations. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 - (6-11-2024) -  The three major unions at the University of Zambia (UNZA) have announced that they will conduct a strike ballot next week after prolonged efforts to negotiate an agreement through a formal conciliation process failed to yield results. Likezo Pumulo, President of the University of Zambia Professional Staff Union (UNZAPROSU), addressed the media on behalf of UNZAPROSU, the University of Zambia Lecturers' and Researchers' Union (UNZALARU), and the University of Zambia and Allied Workers Union (UNZAWU). Pumulo explained that the decision to hold a strike ballot follows several months of intense discussions involv...
Read more

Breaking Silence, Saving Lives

Image
Journalists Join Safe Motherhood Fight and are challenging taboos to protect women’s health. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 — (20-05-2025) - The Ministry of Health convened a critical media orientation in Lusaka to commemorate Safe Motherhood Week and the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula, emphasizing renewed efforts to improve maternal health outcomes across Zambia. The event brought together media professionals, health experts, and key stakeholders to amplify messages on safe maternal health services and the urgent need to end obstetric fistula. In his keynote address, Dr. Aspha S. Choonga stressed the pivotal role of the media in advocating for women’s rights to safe, dignified, and respectful maternal health care. “Your presence here today is not just appreciated—it is vital,” Dr. Choonga said, urging media practitioners to break taboos and inform the public on these critical issues. He outlined the four pillars of Safe Motherhood: family planning, antenatal care, c...
Read more