Livingstone Magistrate Orders Police to Ensure Witness Attendance in Land Fraud Case; Adjournment Set for Continued Trial

Livingstone magistrate Kahoyi Mushabati has ordered the Zambia Police to ensure that all witnesses in the land fraud case are brought before the court, as failure to do so would risk them being brought under a bench warrant. He said the police should ensure the summons are delivered on time to the witnesses. The magistrate stated that his court will not tolerate any witnesses who are reluctant to appear before it. He also emphasized that officers from the Ministry of Lands in Choma should have traveled to testify since Choma is nearer to Livingstone. He remarked that there was no need for them to state issues with logistics, as the National Prosecution Authority has provisions for such matters. He expressed dissatisfaction with the situation where the court reserves dates for a matter to be heard, but witnesses do not show up. He ordered the investigation officer to inform him if there is any person resisting going to court. Sergeant Collins Manda informed the court that he was ready to bring people from the Ministry of Land in Choma but they wanted to come with the people from their headquarters in Lusaka. He assured the court that he would ensure that more witnesses are heard. Magistrate Mushabati suggested that police stations should have pigeon holes in their offices so that officers do not forget. He noted that lawyers at the high court have them, which would facilitate better work efficiency.

This is a case where Israel Mushoke, Shah Jayendra Kumar Chihanganlal, and Lata Jehendra Shah are facing a series of charges related to alleged fraudulent activities and trespass incidents. Israel Mushoke, aged 54, and Shah Jayendra Kumar Chihanganlal, aged 65, both businessmen, have been accused of procuring the execution of documents by false pretenses. The alleged offense took place between January 1, 2022, and June 30, 2022. The accused, along with unknown accomplices, are alleged to have used false pretenses and fraudulent representations to induce George Susiku Sindila, the Acting Lands Officer, to sign a document known as lease number Lt-37146 concerning Stand No. 3099 in Livingstone. In addition to the fraud charge, Mushoke and Chihanganlal are also facing charges of criminal trespass. They are accused of unlawfully entering the property of Vasanti Yogesh Chikhalya at Stand No. 2056 and the property of Patel Mohabhai Umashabhai at Stand No. 4416 in Livingstone between January 1, 2022, and June 30, 2022, with the intent to commit an offense. Lata Jehendra Shah, a 60-year-old businesswoman of Indian origin, is another person involved in these alleged activities. The trio is represented by Swizt Mweemba and associates. The matter has been adjourned to May 8 and 9 this year for continued trial.