By Agness Changala
FDD president Edith Nawakwi’s lawyer Chifumu Banda says he finds it strange that the police did not inform him when his client’s case was taken to court on two occasions for plea.
And Nawakwi pleaded not guilty to charges of threatening to kill and kidnapping involving Pheluna Hatembo and Milton Hatembo.
Appearing before magistrate Amy Masoja for plea, Nawakwi 63, told the court that her case had gone to court for plea on two occasions yet, she nor her lawyer were informed, creating an impression that she didn’t want to comply.
Her lawyer Banda told magistrate Masoja that the case first went for plea before her on November 24, 2023 and December 11, 2023
“Unfortunately, neither our client nor myself were made aware of those dates creating an impression that the accused failed to appear before court,” Banda said. “The police command are aware that I was representing her but for some strange reason, I was not told. I thought I should put it on record.”
And when magistrate Masoja read the charges to her, Nawakwi said she understood all four charges but pleaded not guilty.
The court then recorded pleas of not guilty in respect of all court.
In this case, Nawakwi is charged with two counts of threatening violence and two counts of kidnapping or abducting with intent to confine person.
In the first count, it is alleged that Nawakwi on unknown dates but between August 31, 2021 and September 31, 2022, in Lusaka jointly and while acting together with other persons unknown and with intent to cause injury or harm, threatened to kill Pheluna, to which she said, “I will kill you by chopping your head if you tell anyone whatever I discuss.”
In count two, the offence is threatening violence contrary to the laws of Zambia.
It is alleged that Nawakwi on unknown dates but between August 31, 2021 and September 2022 in Lusaka, jointly and while acting together with other persons unknown and with intent cause injury or harm, threatened to kill Milton, to which she said, “I will kill you by chopping your head if you tell anyone whatever I discuss.”
In count three she is charged with kidnapping or abducting with intent to confine person contrary to the Laws of Zambia.
It is alleged that Nawakwi on dates unknown but between August 31, 2021 and September 1, 2022 in Lusaka, jointly and while acting together with other persons unknown, abducted Pheluna from Choma to Lusaka with intent to cause her to be secretly and wrongfully confined against his wishes.
In the last count, Nawakwi is charged with kidnapping or abducting with intent to confine.
It is alleged that on dates unknown but between August 31, 2021 and September 1, 2022 in Lusaka, jointly and while acting together with other unknown person abducted Milton from Choma to Lusaka, with intent to cause him to be secretly and wrongfully confined against his wishes.
