The Lusaka High has placed four people on their defence, among them two police officers, after finding them with a case to answer in a matter where they are charged with manslaughter in connection with the death of ZAF flight sergeant Mark Choongwa who died in Police custody last year after allegedly being beaten.

High Court judge Mwila Chitabo placed the accused, Veronica Lucy Shawa, Mike Kapale, Lyton Mwale and James Ngulube on their defence, Monday, after establishing a prima facie case against them.

In this matter, Shawa, 44, a police officer of SOS Humanitarian area, Kapale, 39, of State Lodge, Mwale, 37, of Mtendere and Ngulube, 27, of Bauleni township, are charged with manslaughter contrary to section 199 of the Penal Code chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

It is alleged that the quartet, on March 18 last year, whilst acting together, unlawfully caused the death ofthe Zambia Air Force officer Choongwa.

Choongwa was murdered in police custody at Woodlands Police Station where he was detained, following a motor vehicle accident in which he was involved earlier.

The suspects are expected to open their defence on February 18, next year.