THE Kaoma Magistrates’ Court has committed former PF deputy secretary general Mumbi Phiri and former president Edgar Lungu’s barber Shebby Chilekwa to the High Court for trial in a case in which they are charged with the murder of Lawrence Banda.

Magistrate Bestings Hamasiki committed the two to the High Court, Thursday, after receiving a certificate of committal from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Earlier, the duo’s lawyer Charles Changano asked the court to constitute a preliminary inquiry into the matter to determine whether or not the evidence before it was sufficient for the case to be heard in the High Court.

Magistrate Hamasiki could, however, not proceed with that as the prosecution team was in receipt of the certificate of committal to commit the accused persons to the High Court.

“I am now committing you to the High Court for trial. It’s unfortunate that the preliminary inquiry could not be heard because the court is in receipt of the certificate of committal from the DPP,” Magistrate Hamasiki said.

Speaking shortly after the court session, Changano expressed delight at the outcome saying it was as things ought to be.

He said the accused have a constitutional right to be heard and it was gratifying that the opportunity has been granted through their committal to the High Court.

Earlier, Phiri said she could not be intimidated because God was on her side.

“I can never be intimidated. God is on my side. My people don’t be sad,” said Phiri.

Police arrested Phiri and Chilekwa for one count of murder last month.

In a statement, Deputy Police Public Relations Officer Danny Mwale said this is in a matter in which Lawrence Banda was shot dead in Kaoma on October 6, 2019.

“Police have jointly charged and arrested Mumbi Phiri aged 52 of house number 32A Water falls area in Chongwe District with Shabby Chilekwa Chisenga aged 34 of Mimosa area in Chilanga for one count of Murder contrary to section 200 chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia. This is in a matter where Lawrence Banda was shot dead in Kaoma on October 6, 2019. The two have since appeared today, February 25, 2022 before the Kaoma magistrate court. They are both remanded in Kaoma Correctional facility,” said Mwale.