TRIAL has also failed to take off in a case where nine additional UPND cadres are accused of conducting themselves in a manner likely to cause breach of peace as the exhibits were not before court.
Last week, trial in another matter in which 11 other UPND cadres are facing a similar charge before another court also failed to commence as the docket was not before court when the case came up.
In this matter, the nine UPND sympathisers are charged with idle and disorderly conduct.
They, however, pleaded not guilty.
The accused persons in this matter are; Eddy Nawa, a driver of Kabwata Cultural village; Sydney Ngulube of Bauleni; John Wilima of Zalimuone; Nelson Banda of Kabanana; Willington Mwanza; Henry Mutale of Bauleni; Levy Malilwa of Matero ; John Kashikoto and Nicholas Matongo.
The nine are alleged to have on December 23, 2020 in Lusaka, jointly and whilst acting together conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause breach of peace at a public place namely, along Independence Avenue.
When the matter came up for commencement of trial before Magistrate Felix Kaoma, Monday, State prosecutor Sheria Miselo told the Court that the State was not ready to proceed with trial because there were no exhibits before court.
She, therefore, applied for an adjournment.
In response, defence lawyer Kamuwanga Phiri did not object to the application.
He said he symphathised with the State’s situation.
The matter comes up on February 5, 2021, for possible commencement of trial.
20 UPND cadres were arrested on December 23, last year, on the day UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema was being questioned by the police.
Hichilema was being questioned over the purchase of a piece of land in Kalomo District belonging to late Samson Siatembo, which allegedly occurred in 2004.
Two lives were lost on that day.
Public prosecutor Nsama Nsama and UPND sympathiser Joseph Kaunda were shot dead near NPA offices as police officers dispersed the UPND supporters, who had gone to offer Hichilema solidarity.
The 20 UPND cadres have been split into two groups and will be appearing in two different courts.
Nine of the 20 are appearing before Lusaka Magistrate Felix Kaoma, while the other 11, before Magistrate Albert Mwaba.
