Former Kabushi lawmaker Bowman Lusambo, currently serving a four-year corruption sentence, dismissed his legal team in the middle of court proceedings on yesterday, opting to represent himself.
Lusambo relieved Counsel Charles Changano and Nkula Botha of Makebi Zulu Advocates from their duties, with Botha absent from the courtroom.
The move came as he raised concerns over his transfer from Lusaka Central Correctional Facility, commonly known as Chimbokaila to Mwembeshi Maximum Prison, a change he claims is against legal provisions.
Addressing Lusaka Chief Resident Magistrate Davies Chibwili, Lusambo argued that prisoners serving four-year sentences should not be held in maximum-security facilities.
He also expressed difficulties in consulting his lawyers, stating that a prison officer was always present during their discussions, compromising lawyer-client confidentiality.
“In this maximum facility, there are security restrictions. I have no privacy with my lawyers. Whenever they visit, a prison officer is stationed next to us, making it difficult to have confidential discussions,” he said.
Lusambo further contended that the constant supervision risked exposing crucial defense strategies to the State, which he accused of monitoring his interactions.
He also claimed that he had limited communication with individuals outside Lusaka, hindering his ability to gather necessary documents for his defense.
Following the dismissal of his lawyers, Lusambo sought more time to prepare his defense, citing the need for documents from the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), which had yet to respond to his lawyers’ request.
Changano, one of his dismissed lawyers, informed the court that he had been unable to conduct a pre-trial meeting with Lusambo due to his own illness.
He requested the court’s permission to seek medical attention, stating that his condition hindered his ability to adequately represent his client.
However, Magistrate Chibwili ruled that there was insufficient medical evidence to justify an adjournment.
Prosecutor Chawezi Nalwenga dismissed Lusambo’s concerns, arguing that his repeated applications for adjournments were tactics to delay the case. The prosecution pointed out that Lusambo had already filed defense documents in October 2024, before his sentencing in November, and had sufficient time to prepare.
The prosecution also countered Lusambo’s claims regarding prison security, stating that there was no evidence to suggest that his defense strategy was being compromised by State surveillance.
Magistrate Chibwili, in his ruling, acknowledged that Lusambo had previously sought multiple adjournments, often coinciding with his dismissal of legal representation.
He stated that the court recognized the pattern and would not entertain further delays.
“The accused has had more than sufficient time to prepare his defense. This court sees through the tactics being employed to buy time,” Chibwili said.
However, taking into account pre-scheduled court dates, the magistrate granted a one-day adjournment, warning Lusambo that no further delays would be permitted.
He is accused of possessing tainted property. The trial continues on Tuesday.
