MMD deputy national treasurer Malama Sokoni says police who were manning the entrance at ZNBC ushered Nevers Mumba and himself into the Mass Media Complex, contrary to the claim that they forced themselves in.

And the defense has since closed it’s case in the matter pending judgment.

This is in a matter in which MMD president Nevers Mumba is facing a charge of criminal trespass and giving false information to a public officer.

Sokoni who was in the company of Mumba on the material night says when they reached ZNBC a police officer saluted and greeted them after which he signaled his fellow cop to open the gate.

“A police officer came to Dr Mumba’s vehicle and Dr Mumba then lowered his window and the police officer greeted him he recognized Dr Mumba and called his colleague who was in the guardroom who saluted and greeted us,” Sokoni said.

Sokoni further explained to principal resident magistrate David Simusamba that Mumba did not need an appointment to go to ZNBC as it was a public institution.

“We didn’t need an appointment at ZNBC, it’s a public place just like UTH. I have been going to ZNBC without appointments,” Sokoni said.

He said after they went to the newsroom the environment was friendly and they joked with the three sub editors they found after exchanging pleasantries.

Sokoni says Joseph Nyirenda voluntarily showed them the story on soft copy which they wanted clarification on about the presidential petition.

“Joseph Nyirenda volunteered to take us to the computer terminal to show us the story. We were shown the story and Dr Mumba said the story was ok,” said Sokoni

In their testimonies the reporters from ZNBC who include Barbara Malilwe and Anold Tutu, among others, said they were annoyed by Mumba’s remarks in bemba.

The defense has since closed it’s case pending judgment.