UPND cadre in court for attempted murder
By Correspondent
UNITED Party for National Development (UPND) Eastern Province security chairperson Esau Mbazima yesterday appeared in the Chipata magistrates court for attempted murder.
Mbazima appeared before senior resident magistrate Felix Kaoma for the explanation of the charge.
He is alleged to have fired a gunshot at Kapata Market a fortnight ago leaving 26-year-old Ellamsdeal Tembo nursing serious injuries.
According to the indictment, Mbazima, 48, is facing three counts.
In count one, he is slapped with one count of attempted murder and in count two acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm.
Particulars of the offence are that on May 11, 2025, in Chipata, Mbazima, with intent to maim, disfigure or disable, grievously harmed Tembo.
In count two on the same day, with intent to maim, disfigure, or disable, grievously harmed Ethel Zulu.
Kaoma, however, informed Mbazima that he could not take plea because the offences he was charged with could only be tried by the High Court.
He, however granted Mbazima a K30,000 cash bail with two working sureties in a sum of K50,000 each.
Kaoma ordered that Mbazima would remain detained until he met the conditions of his bail.
When applying for bail, the defence lawyer from the  Legal Aid Board pleaded with the court for the release of Mbazima on medical grounds.
The court adjourned the case to June 3 for mention while waiting for instructions from the Director of Public Prosecution to commit him to the High Court for plea and possible trial.
