A state witness, National Assembly video editor George Phiri, failed to present video evidence in the case involving Chiengi Member of Parliament (MP) Given Katuta, who is accused of attempting to harm a photojournalist after being ordered out of the House.
Testifying in court, Phiri admitted that he had edited the footage from the day in question but could not produce it as evidence, stating that he had deleted it to create space on his personal computer.
Katuta is alleged to have threatened Times of Zambia photojournalist Henry Chunza on July 21, 2023, reportedly saying, “Who are you to take photos of me?” while chasing him.
Therefore, she is charged with threatening violence.
Phiri testified before Magistrate Idah Phiri that his supervisor, Director of Broadcasting Kashimbi Limata, had instructed him to edit the footage according to specific timeframes.
He noted that the National Assembly chamber has five cameras, including one positioned outside the entrance.
“I sent the edited footage to her via WhatsApp after retrieving it from the server using the PrivateShare system,” Phiri testified.
He added that internal video requests require a formal request, while MPs must pay a fee.
Phiri described the footage, stating that it showed Katuta standing behind the bar as Speaker Nelly Mutti made a ruling ordering her to leave the House.
He explained that as Katuta exited, the cameras briefly captured her outside before redirecting back to the chamber proceedings.
During cross-examination, defense lawyers Chifumu Banda (State Counsel) and Benjamin Mwelwa questioned Phiri on whether he saw Katuta insulting or harming anyone, to which he responded, “No.”
The court further heard that no police officer had recorded a statement from Phiri.
The trial continues on Thursday.
