The Director of Public Prosecutions has issued a consent to prosecute the matter in which UPND Lusaka Province chairman Obvious Mwaliteta and another businessman are charged with being in possession of offensive weapons.
However, authority to have the matter tried in another jurisdiction has not yet been obtained.
In this matter, Mwaliteta, 48, is jointly charged with James Sichomba, a 36 year-old businessman of Kafue, with one count of being in possession of offensive weapons or material contrary to section 85(i) of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
Particulars of the offence allege that on March 27, this year, in Kafue district of Lusaka Province, the duo jointly and whilst acting together, had in their possession offensive weapons or materials namely; two improvised machetes, a metal hoe, one wooden pick handle, two stones and a knife, without lawful excuse.
Mwaliteta was arrested by Police in Kafue on March 27 during the Kafue District Council Chairperson by-election.
When the matter came up before magistrate Alice Walusiku for mention, Wednesday, State Prosecutor Christopher Nyambe informed the court that although consent to prosecute was ready, the authority to try the matter in another jurisdiction had not yet been obtained.
Nyambe further said the ex-parte hearing pertaining to the application to have the matter tried in another jurisdiction would be done today, Thursday, in the Lusaka High Court.
Mwaliteta’s lawyers were not before court.
The matter has since been adjourned to May 6, this year, for possible plea.
