Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The State has dropped the charge of conduct likely to cause the breach of peace against opposition UPND Vice President and Presidential Running Mate Geoffrey Mwamba.
Principle State Advocate Katongo Waluzimba under the Office of the National Prosecution Authority told the Kitwe Magistrate Court that they had instructions to discontinue the case, while the other two charges will remain.
The matter came up before Kitwe Magistrate Maloto Phiri.
And in the assault case, the complainant Moses Katongo of No. 1074 Kawama, Kitwe identified Mr. Mwamba as the one who had slapped him on 19th May, 2016 around 14 hours.
Geoffrey Mwamba
Mr. Katongo a Toothpaste street vendor at Chisokone Market claimed that on the material day, a group called “HH” led by a man he identified as “Mr. GBM” came to the market and upon reaching his stand Mr. Mwamba asked him to shout “forward” and flash an unfolded palm symbol but that he refused.
He claimed it is at this point that “Mr. GBM” as he referred to him slapped him on his mouth leaving him bleeding and two teeth shaking.
Mr. Katongo told the court that he reported the matter to Police were he was given a medical Report to present at the Hospital.
During Cross Examination, the Defence Lawyers led by Mulilo Kabesha and Tom Shamakamba told the court that complainant was lying to the Court as the statement he gave to the Police was different from his submissions especially on the issue of bleeding and shaking teeth.
A a second Witness Dillan Chama, 23, also identified Mr. Mwamba who was in the company of UDF President Miles Sampa with about seven others and a mob as the person he saw slapping Mr. Katongo around 11 hours.
And Magistrate Phiri adjourned the matter to 3rd August 2016 for the continuation of the case and the accused Bail has since been extended.
Present during the case was UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema and his United Democratic Front counterpart Miles Sampa, former vice President Dr. Guy Scott and former MMD National Secretary Major Richard Kachingwe among others.