A second state witness has today testified in the case where former president Rupiah Banda is charged with abuse of authority how he was told to conceal the presence of the then MMD national Secretary Major Richard Kachingwe’s presence in Nigeria where he had gone to the offices of the Nigerian national petroleum company.
Mr. Alex Luhila 62 of house number 406 Kudu road in Kabulonga Lusaka a former Zambian high commissioner to Nigeria told the court that during the time when he was high commissioner, he was told by authorities to receive any envoy or guest from home with due respect.
Mr. Luhila testified that during his course of duty he also had briefings with his staff who told him that there was an envoy that came in and out of Nigeria without meeting with him.
He testified that it was during that period that he got concerned and gathered his courage to phone State house and he was told that then president Banda had a meeting but could leave his message which he did.
He testified that president Banda called him and told him not to doubt his authority to appoint a special envoy.
Mr. Luhila told the court that three weeks later, he received a telephone call from president Banda who told him that there was a special envoy who was going Nigeria to deliver a message and that he already had the address and he obliged to the directive.
He told the court that when he drove to meet the special envoy, he found out that it was Major Richard Kachingwe and they drove together to a place called four towers where offices for the Nigerian National petroleum company are situated.
He testified that he was told to wait in the foyer upon arrival while Major Kachingwe proceeded to another office where he only spent less than ten minutes and came out with a brown khaki envelope in his hands.
Mr Luhila told the court that as they were leaving the premises, Major Kachingwe told him not to tell anybody about his presence in Nigeria.
He testified that Major Kachingwe also refused to use transport that was organized for him by the High Commission to take him to the airport because he had to travel back to Zambia on the same day.
Chief resident magistrate Joshua Banda has adjourned the matter to tomorrow for continued trial.
QFM