Four people, among them a Lusaka based magistrate Maggie Tantameni Kunda, a public prosecutor from the National Prosecutions Authority and two court officials have been dragged to court for allegedly stealing 34 Kilograms of ephedrine, property of government.

Felix Mkandawire, a court interpreter, 35, of Kanyama, Francis Mphanza Senior Public Prosecutor, 37, of Woodlands, Maggie Tantameni Kunda, magistrate, 39, of Avondale and Didie Kangwa a senior Clerk of Court, 39, of Kalingalinga, are charged with two counts of removal of property under lawful seizure and stealing by persons in public service.

It is alleged in count one that Mkandawire, Mphanza and Kangwa on November 8, 2017 in Lusaka, jointly and whilst acting together, knowingly and with intent to hinder or defeat the process, did conceal 34.0 kilograms of ephedrine valued at K1, 870.000, which ephedrine was taken under the process of authority of the court of honourable Tantameni.

And in count two, it is alleged that Mkandawire, Mphanza, Tantameni and Kangwa between November 8, 2017 and December 30, 2017 in Lusaka, being employed in the public service as court interpretor, senior public prosecutor, magistrate and senior clerk of court respectively, jointly and whilst acting together did steal 34. 0 kilograms of ephedrine valued at K1, 870.000 the property of the Government of the Republic of Zambia which came into their possession by virtue of their employment.

When the matter came up before magistrate Kenneth Mulife, Monday, all the accused persons where not present in court.

Magistrate Mulife however allocated the matter to a Chisamba based magistrate, Mangalashi.

The matter comes up on Tuesday for plea.

And the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court has adjourned the matter in which Laura Miti and five others are charged with disobeying lawful orders, to November 19 this year due to the absence of two remaining state witnesses.

In this matter, Alliance for Community Action Laura Miti, PeP president Sean Tembo, former Zambia Council for Social Development executive director Lewis Mwape, Pilato, Bornwell Mwewa and Mika Mwambazi, are charged with one count of disobeying lawful orders.

The accused were nabbed outside Parliament building in Lusaka on September 29, 2017 as they were protesting the purchase of 42 fire trucks for $42 million.

When the matter came up for continuation of trial before magistrate Mwaka Mikalile, Monday, the State said they were not ready to proceed with calling their last two witnesses because one witness was sick whereas the other one had a bereavement.

“The State is not ready to proceed. Our remaining two witnesses are not in court. The Arresting officer has a bereavement, then Mr Kunda is not well,” the State said.

The matter has been adjourned to November 19 for continuation of trial.