By LUCY PHIRIThe Lusaka Magistrate Court yesterday discharged former Tourism Minister, Ronald Chitotela, in the matter he is charged with two counts of possessing property suspected to be proceeds of crime.In her ruling on two applications made by the State and the defence, Principal Magistrate Jennifer Bwalya said there was no evidence that plea was not taken and facts established are that the whole process of acquittal passed through the court.Magistrate Bwalya also ruled that the immunity which was granted was still in force and proceeding with the same case will subject him to double jeopardy.She said Chitotela cannot be prosecuted twice because there is proof and evidence that his matter passed through the Chief Resident Magistrate and documents were stamped.“I have also taken note of the date stamp of the Chief Resident magistrate of the process taken,” she said.“I therefore discharge the accused person in all counts,” Ms Bwalya said.Previously, lawyers representing Chitotela, Mr […]
Court discharges Ronald Chitolela
