FORMER president Edgar Lungu’s Aide De Camp Chisanga Chanda yesterday appeared before the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court.
Chanda, who was earlier this month formally charged and arrested for allegedly assisting a wanted suspect, could however not take plea as there was no docket.
Chanda, who is a deputy commissioner of police, is represented by Charles Changano.
When he appeared before Lusaka Chief Resident Magistrate Dominic Makalicha, however, his charge sheet was not before court and his name was not on the cause list for the day.
The matter has since been adjourned to March 2, 2022 for a possible plea.
Shortly after the matter was adjourned, Changano told journalists that his client was scheduled to appear before court for allocation of the matter and possible plea.
He said the prosecution and the defence had agreed to have the matter adjourned to March 2, 2022.
“This matter was coming up for plea today and as the defence we were ready. However, the state is not ready, the docket is not here. And since it is not here, we have nothing to do because the docket is supposed to be received before Chief Resident Magistrate to allocate to himself or any other magistrate. But since the state is not ready, the docket is not ready, we have agreed that we adjourn this matter to next week the 2rd of March 2022 for plea. We only hope that the docket will be ready, if not ready we know what to do,” said Changano.
Earlier this month, Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga disclosed in a statement that Chanda, 53, was charged for the alleged offence of being an accessory after the fact to a felony.
“Police in Lusaka have formally charged and arrested a Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr Chisanga Chanda aged 53 of House Number 8004 Brentwood Woodlands in Lusaka Province for the alleged offence of being an accessory after the fact to a felony Contrary to Sections 397 (1) and 398 of the Penal Code Act Cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia. It is alleged that Mr Chanda on unknown date, but between the 1st October, 2019 and 4th February, 2022 in Lusaka Province of the Republic of Zambia, did receive or assist a wanted suspect,” stated Hamoonga.
