The trial of former First Lady Esther Lungu and four others, who are facing charges of motor vehicle theft, could not proceed after she failed to appear in court.
Lungu is jointly charged with police officers James Phiri and Lee Chisulo, as well as Kapambwe Lungu and her niece, Catherine Banda, over the alleged theft of a Mitsubishi Canter and a Toyota Runx.
The case, before Lusaka Magistrate Mbuywana Sinvula, was set for the continuation of the trial, with the prosecution yet to close its case.
However, with Lungu absent and reportedly not in the area, the court adjourned the matter in chambers, scheduling it for mention on February 26 and the resumption of the trial on March 24.
