Opposition lawmaker Munir Zulu was left with no choice but to close his defence on Friday after failing to present additional witnesses in his criminal libel case against Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane, Infrastructure Minister Charles Milupi, and Engineer Mulchan Kuntwala.
Chief Resident Magistrate Davies Chibwili denied the defense’s request for another adjournment, stating that multiple extensions had already been granted since the case began in 2022.
“At the last sitting on March 4, the defense applied for an adjournment to bring in more witnesses. In the interest of justice, I granted it. However, I have closely observed the defense’s conduct since the accused was put on his defense, and I find no merit in further delays,” ruled Magistrate Chibwili.
Defense counsel Kachinda, who recently joined the legal team, pleaded for more time to study the case.
However, the court ruled that previously legal representation was sufficient, and further delays would not be entertained.
With no additional witnesses, Zulu’s legal team officially closed their case, requesting 21 days to file final submissions.
The court, however, granted only 14 days, setting judgment for April 7, 2025.
Zulu had accused Musokotwane and Milupi of receiving $250,000 each via bank transfers from a company known to him, while Kuntwala allegedly transferred $150,000 to Milupi just two days before his appointment as Board Chairperson for the Roads Development Agency.
