The Lusaka Magistrates’ Court has issued a bench warrant against a Lusaka businessman who is among seven people accused of stealing drugs worth over K6 million from Medical Stores Limited.

This is in a matter in which seven people among them three employees of Medical Stores Limited, two Congolese nationals and others are charged with theft of drugs.

When the matter came up today, magistrate Greenwell Malumani issued a bench warrant against Moses Sakala and summoned the arresting officer to explain the details regarding bond given to him considering that he had absconded from proceedings twice.

The court wondered why Sakala and his sureties were not present in court for a second time without any explanation.

The court also summoned Sakala’s two sureties namely Moses Tumbama and Fwambo Siame to explain why they were not discharging their duties accordingly.

The accused persons present could not take plea due to the absence of the other accused.

The court said that the law required that when accused are jointly charged they must all be present for plea and trial to take place.

The matter comes up on October 4, 2017.