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New Labour party president Fresher Siwale who has been in incarceration for about 30-days after failing to meet his bail conditions in the matter in which he is charged with defamation of the President has been granted a fresh K25, 000 bail in his own recognizance with two working sureties in the like sum from reputable working institutions.
This was after his lawyer Keith Mweemba, applied for mild bail conditions informing the court that his client has remained incarcerated after failing to meet the previous bail conditions.
Previously, the court granted Mr Siwale a K10,000 bail in his own recognizance with two working sureties from government institutions at managerial level or directorship.
But when the matter came up before Magistrate Alice Walusiku for commencement of trial, his lawyer indicated that it has been difficult for their client to meet bail conditions because the matter has political connotations and no civil servant has been willing to sign bail on his behalf.
Mr. Mweemba asked the court to grant the accused fresh bail conditions as he was a political figure, a leader of a political party and was willing to attend court when required.
Magistrate Walusiku granted Siwale a fresh but reminded him that he would remain incarcerated until he met the bail conditions.
Meanwhile, during trial in the matter, Muvi television journalist Mabvuto Phiri told the court that he produced the 1hour 30 minutes assignment program where Mr Siwale is alleged to have referred to President Lungu as an identity thief, further stating that he is not the actual Edgar Chagwa Lungu but Jonathan Mutawale.
The state presented before the court a DVD of the said program which was viewed in court.
But Mr Siwale’s lawyer Gilbert Phiri objected to the presentation of the DVD as evidence arguing that its contents could have been altered to suit the state.
Magistrate Walusiku has since adjourned the matter to 6th and 20th June,2018 for mention and 5th July for continued trial.
QFM
