TRIAL in a case where former first lady Esther Lungu is charged with theft of motor vehicles and theft of certificate of title failed to take off at the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court yesterday.
This was after the State informed the accused that the trial court was indisposed.
The matter was mentioned before magistrate Mwandu Sakala who later adjourned it to June 24, 2025 for continuation of trial.
Esther was accompanied by Patriotic Front faction Secretary General, Raphael Nakacinda and former Mines minister Richard Musukwa among other party officials.
In this matter, Esther, 66, is jointly charged with James Phiri, 49, a police officer, Lee Chisulo, 31, also a police officer, Kapembwa Lungu and Catherine Banda all, residents of Lusaka.
In count one, it is alleged that Esther, Phiri, Chisulo, Lungu and Banda on unknown dates but between August 9, 2021 and September 30, 2022 in Lusaka, jointly and whilst acting together, stole a motor vehicle namely a Mitsubishi Canter Registration number BAV 5282 valued at K320,000.00 the property of Elizabeth Change Phiri.
In count two and three, it is alleged that all accused persons on unknown dates but between August 9, 2021 and September 30, 2022 in Lusaka jointly and whilst acting together, stole a motor vehicle, namely a Toyota Runnex Registration number BLA 9772 valued at K110,000.00 and Toyota Allex Registration number BAV 3986 valued at K 110,000.00 the property of Furhana Patel.
It is alleged in count four that all the accused persons between August 9,2021 and September 30, 2022 in Lusaka, jointly and whilst acting together, stole a Certificate of Title relating to Stand No. S/LUSAKA/0003/2977 situated in Libala Lusaka water works valued at K1,050,000.00 the property of Phiri.
Meanwhile, the court has also adjourned a case of former University of Zambia Student Union (UNZASU) president, Gabriel Banda which was set for Judgement yesterday.
In this case, Banda, 33, who was president of the institution’s student union during the 2021/2022 Academic is charged with Proposing violence or breaches of the law to assemblies.
He is accused of inciting violence and criminal trespass, the incident that occurred at the University of Zambia between September 18 and 19, 2023.
Judgement will be ready on May 29, 2025
By Lucy Phiri
Kalemba May 20, 2025
