WITNESS SAYS THERE WAS NO ABDUCTION OR THEFT IN ESTHER LUNGU’S CASE
Lusaka-3rd December 2024
A witness has testified that in his estimation, Esther Lungu and four others did not abduct or commit the case of theft.
Hakuwa Charles, a witness in the case where the former first lady, Esther Lungu, is charged with the offence of theft of motor vehicles.
In this matter, Mrs. Esther Lungu is jointly charged with James Phiri and Lee Chisulo, both police officers, as well as Kapambwe Lungu and Catherine Banda.
The matter is before Magistrate Honourable Mbuywana Sinvula.
In cross examination by defence lawyers Charles Changano, and Makebi Zulu, Hakuwa stated he was informed by the former first lady that the case was matter for the family to handle.
Hakuwa also confirmed that he knew that the vehicles were not stolen but were taken from Elizabetha Phiri for safe custody and the act did not amount to theft.
Below is the Verbatim:
Charles Changano; Your honour, we did subpoena a witness to bring the rough book ( a book the police make rough notes during unvestigations) from Woodlands Police Station.
Witness takes the stand and takes Oath;
I’m Officer in Charge; Siwito Anayeni, 41, 23416, Chalala, Woodlands Police, as officer in charge with a rank of Superintendent.
Lawyer Charles Changano; You were summoned before this court. What were you directed to bring?
Anayeni-I was told to bring the rough book.
Changano- in whose custody was the rough book?
Anayeni- it was in custody of Woodlands Police Station under mAy charge.
Changano- show us the rough book.
Anayeni- checks the book. yes, this is the book I meant.
Changano- What would you do with this book?
Anayeni- I want to produce it as evidence before this court?
Changano- describe the book.
Anayeni: it is an A4 book, black in colour.
Changano – My Lord may the evidence be marked.
Changano- What would you like to do with this book?
Anayeni; I wish to produce the book as part of my evidence, as an exhibit?
Changano- your honour,that is all for this witness.
Court- Witness may stand down.
Another witness taked the stand.
Hakuwa Charles takes the stand.
Changano- witness now that you have the rough book, tell us about the details of the custody of the cars.
Hakuwa Charles- reads portion identified as of the 403 in the rough book which explains the details of the 3 vehicles.
Changano-do you remember the officer who recorded the statement in the rough book?
Hakuwa- I don’t remember.
Changano- why did you sign with a blue pen when the statement was written in black?
Hakuwa-That’s the pen I had.
Changano-When you went to Lewanika Mall, did you meet Elizabeth Phiri?
Hakuwa- yes
Changano-did A1(Mrs. Esther Lungu) call you?
Hakuwa- yes.
Changano- What did she say?
Hakuwa- she said that “we have discussed and the vehicles can be released”.
Objection was raised by prosecution. Objection sustained.
Changano; what did she say.
Hakuwa- she asked me if i knew that this was related to a family matter. She stated that the matter was a family matter and the youngman in question was her son.
Changano-when the vehicles left Lewanika Mall,did they pass through Woodlands Police Station?
Hakuwa- no your honour.
Changano- that is all for me.
Makebi Zulu- Goodmorning, Mr. Hakuwa, you said that you received a call that there was an abduction. Was there an abduction?
Hakuwa- there was no abduction.
Makebi Zulu- in your view, was there theft of motor vehicles?
Hakuwa:No, there was no theft of vehicles.
Makebi Zulu -I’ve no further question.