MPs exonerate Katuta in spitting case

By GRACE CHAILE

TWO Members of Parliament have testified that they did not see Presidential aspirant and Chiengi MP Given Katuta spit at photojournalist Henry Chunza during a parliamentary sitting on June 14, 2023.
Katuta, 56, a Reverend and farmer, is facing one count of threatening violence after she allegedly spat at Chunza, a Times of Zambia photojournalist, while being escorted out of the National Assembly chamber. She has pleaded not guilty.
Testifying before the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court, Bangweulu MP Anthony Kasandwe said he was entering Parliament when he saw Katuta being escorted out by security personnel as Mr Chunza took photographs from a distance of about 2.5 metres.
“I heard Honourable Katuta telling him to stop taking pictures and asking who had sent him,” Mr Kasandwe said. “I did not see her spit at him. Unless she is a spitting cobra, she could not have done that from that distance.”
Mr Kasandwe also told the court that he did not hear Katuta insult the journalist or call him names, as alleged. He said the incident appeared tense but did not escalate into physical confrontation.
Chembe MP Cliff Mpundu, the second defence witness, also testified that he did not witness Katuta spitting at Mr Chunza. He said he only heard her object to the journalist taking her photos without permission.
“I heard Honourable Katuta say, ‘Why are you taking my pictures without my permission?’ She asked security to ensure the pictures were deleted, but I did not hear any insults or see her spit at him,” Mr Mpundu said.
He added that security officers later led Mr Chunza away from the scene to maintain order following Katuta’s suspension from the chamber.
During cross-examination, both MPs confirmed that journalists are sometimes allowed access to Parliament but said they were unsure whether Mr Chunza had been authorised to take pictures that day.
They maintained that while Katuta appeared upset, she did not act violently.
The case continues before Lusaka Principal Magistrate Idah Phiri, who adjourned proceedings to today for continued hearing.