Judge warns State as murder trial of IBA Director General stalls over missing witnesses

The trial of four men accused of murdering Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Director General, Guntila Muleya, failed to proceed on Tuesday after the State was unable to present its witnesses—drawing a stern warning from Lusaka High Court Judge, Vincent Siloka.

Chief State Advocate Kumbiza Thelma Mumba told the court that “serious logistical challenges” had prevented witnesses from appearing.

“It is with deep regret that we inform the court that we are unable to proceed today. The witnesses scheduled to testify were not brought due to unforeseen logistical issues. We acknowledge the importance of expediting justice and assure the court that we will make the necessary arrangements moving forward,” she said.

She then requested an adjournment to the next scheduled date, June 16.

Defence lawyer, Osborn Ngoma, did not oppose the application, noting it was the first time such a request had been made by the prosecution.

Judge Siloka granted the adjournment but warned the State against further delays.

“The adjournment is granted at the expense of the court. However, I hasten to warn the State that this court will not accept the same excuse again. It is the State’s responsibility to prosecute this matter diligently,” he said.

The accused are: 29-year-old police officer M’Thusani Dokowe; his elder brother and systems engineer, Samuel Dokowe; 42-year-old IBA accountant Francis Chipyoka; and another police officer, 30-year-old Caleb Zulu. They are jointly charged with one count of murder.

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