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A man accused of murdering Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Director General, Guntila Muleya, asked a Zambian court on Wednesday for three weeks to resolve a dispute over legal fees after his lawyer said he intended to withdraw from the case.
The request came before Constitutional Court Judge Vincent Siloka, sitting as a High Court judge, during the trial of Francis Chipyoka and three others over the July 23, 2024 killing of Muleya.
Chipyoka, the fourth accused, told the court he needed time to either settle outstanding legal fees or engage another lawyer after his counsel, Friday Mulenga, indicated he could no longer continue representing him.
Mulenga said he had mounted a vigorous defence but had not been paid for his services.
“I will be withdrawing as the fourth accused person’s counsel. The last couple of weeks have given me an opportunity to reflect. We have not been paid and, as you can see, I have put up a good fight for the accused,” he said.
The lawyer said he believed Chipyoka had a strong defence but could not continue acting without payment.
“We are lawyers and I have a family. I have not been paid despite giving a vigorous fight. If he can put his house in order and give me something for fuel, I will avail myself the next time,” Mulenga said.
Chipyoka acknowledged he had failed to meet agreed payment deadlines.
“I have had challenges settling my legal bills. I negotiated, but the dates I promised to pay have passed.”
“I request that I be given three weeks so that, if he agrees, I can re-engage him or I may have enough time to find another lawyer,” he said.
Judge Siloka warned that losing legal representation at this stage of the trial could prejudice Chipyoka’s defence.
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“The court will address the fourth accused following the genuine sentiments by his lawyer. You have to settle your obligations and fully instruct counsel to avoid disrupting court proceedings and the competence that has been exhibited by counsel Mulenga,” the judge said.
He also cautioned that appointing a new lawyer could prove difficult because any replacement would need time to familiarise themselves with the evidence already presented.
“It will be costly and suicidal for you to let him stop representing you,” Judge Siloka said.
The court also heard evidence from Mika Group of Hotels IT manager Brian Jere, who testified that police obtained CCTV footage from the hotel as part of investigations into the alleged murder.
The other accused are systems engineer Samuel Dokowe and police officers M’Thusani Dokowe, 29, and Alex Zulu, 30.
The trial continues.
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