The Kabwe Magistrates’ Court has discharged Patriotic Front (PF) Kabwe District Chairperson Richard Bango and seven other cadres, among them two councillors, of criminal trespass and conduct likely to cause the breach of peace.

This was following a request from the Power FM management to discontinue the case “in the spirit of oneness and forgiveness”.

This is in a matter where Richard Bango, Humphrey Mukuka, Lackson Mafoko and five others were jointly charged with criminal trespass, contrary to Section 306 (a) Chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia and conduct likely to cause breach of peace in a public place, contrary to Section 178 (f) of the Penal Code, Cap 87 of the laws of Zambia.

When the matter came up for trial before magistrate Sibaleya Chikuba, the 8 PF members pleaded not guilty to the two counts of criminal trespass and conduct likely to cause the breach of peace arising from an incident on the 30 of April 2019 where PF cadres invaded Power FM studio and stopped an on-going programme where National Democratic Congress (NDC) leader, Chishimba Kambwili was a guest and damaged studio equipment in the process.

When Power FM station Manager, David Mutumwenu was called to the stand, he informed the court that he was discontinuing the case because he had forgiven the defendants and that as family men, the accused had people that depended on them.

Mutumwenu also said he was following the example of Radio Maria in Chipata where the radio station withdrew the case in the spirit of oneness and forgiveness.

The accused persons where being represented by Maybin Mulenga of Chishimba and company, and Benny Ndandula of Tutwa and Company.