The trial of Alinani Ngambi, a 29-year-old soldier from Nyumba Yanga Township accused of assaulting a police officer, failed to commence after witnesses, including the complainant, were absent from court.
Ngambi denied beating Sergeant Kaluba Mataka, leaving him with a deformed face, when she appeared before Lusaka Resident Magistrate Amy Masoja.
The incident allegedly occurred on January 15, 2025, after Mataka advised Ngambi to stop her car to allow a motorcade to pass.
Ngambi is charged with assault on a police officer under Section 250(b) of the Penal Code.
During the scheduled hearing on Monday, the State asked for an adjournment, stating that their witnesses, including Mataka, were not present as he was engaged with work-related duties.
Defense lawyers Boniface Chiwala and McQueen Zaza requested that the witnesses be present at the next hearing to facilitate progress in the case.
The case has been adjourned to March 25 for mention, and the trial will commence on April 1 and 2.
