Lusaka Magistrate Thandose Chabala has noted with concern the unnecessary excuses by Precious Longwe’s lawyer Osborne Ngoma which are causing the case in which she is charged with money laundering to drag.

And magistrate Chabala has warned that when the matter comes up on April 25, she will proceed to hear Longwe’s defence even without her lawyer.

This is the matter in which Precious, a former customer service officer, is accused of stealing K200,000, money belonging to her former employer; African Bank Corporation.

The money was found at Longwe’s house after she murdered her husband, Lubinda Litebele.

When the matter came up for defence yesterday, it could not take place due to Ngoma’s absence.

A state prosecutor said Longwe’s lawyer was absent in court because his mother was unwell.

“The defence counsel is not present. He communicated through the phone that his mother is very sick and he was rushing to Chawama township around 21 to see her,” he said.

However magistrate Chabala observed that the matter was taking long to conclude because of the lawyer’s several excuses.

She warned that the next time the matter comes up, she would proceed to hear Longwe’s defence even without her lawyer.

“I have noted that this matter is taking long to conclude. Mainly due to the absence of your lawyer. Mostly when this matter comes up, your lawyer is not before court and he gives several excuses. I have also noted that your lawyer does not file the necessary court notices which seeks an adjournment. I must state here that the next time this matter comes up I will proceed to hear your defence even if your lawyer is not before court. Kindly report to your lawyer that this matter is coming up on April 25, 2018 for defence . For now you will continue to remain in custody,” said magistrate Chabala.