Chiengi MP Katuta found with case
By Esther Chisola
A MAGISTRATES court in Lusaka has found independent Chienge Member of Parliament Given Katuta with a case to answer in a matter she is alleged to have spit on a Times of Zambia photo journalist.
When the matter came up for ruling on case to answer, magistrate Idah Phiri put Katuta on her defence saying the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt against the lawmaker.
“After listening to the prosecution witnesses, I’m satisfied that the State has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. And a prima facie case has been established and proved. I therefore place the accused person [Katuta] on her defence,” Phiri said.
Katuta, 54, of Chamba Valley in Lusaka is facing one count of threatening violence contrary to section 90 (a) chapter 87 of the Penal Code of the Laws of Zambia.
She is alleged to have threatened violence and caused injury to Times photojournalist Henry Junza while he was on duty at the Parliament premises on July 21, 2023 around 09:00 hours.
Earlier, a security officer at National Assembly of Zambia had told the court that Katuta spat saliva at the journalist while leaning over the concrete guard rail at Parliament Building in 2023.
Julius Tembo, 55, said this happened after Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti suspended Katuta from the House for seven days over a breach.
Tembo said Katuta had been suspended following a point of order raised by Katombola United Party for National Development (UPND) Member of Parliament Clement Andeleki against her for allegedly disrespecting the House and Speaker of the National Assembly.
Tembo said when Katuta was coming out of the chambers, the journalist pointed a camera at her while taking pictures.
