Kitwe Central Police officers and the family of late Richard Chileshe, popularly known as Chile One, clashed in court on Tuesdayafter the family was ordered to leave the court room.
This is a matter in which Chileshe’s widow Annie Monta is charged with the murder of his husband.
Monta appeared before Kitwe principle resident magistrate Chongo Musonda for mention.
The case still pending as police wait for instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
But before the court could proceed, Chileshe’s family and that of Monta were ordered to leave court as a way of adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines.
This did not sit well with Chileshe’s family members, hence causing drama at the court.
Police officers were asked to order some members of the family out but this news was not received well, hence ignited tempers from Chileshe’s parents, Elizabeth and Nathan Mbulu.
They said the court had no right to bar any family member from listening to court proceedings so long as the case was in open court.
The two succeeded in shutting up the officers who returned to their positions outside court.
“If the family of the late can’t hear the case, why is it taking off? We brought the matter to court, now we are being chased. If this is a case then let the matter be closed since we as family we have already lost out. And we know that one day she will come out and she will move on,” said Nathan.
“Why is this case being treated differently from other cases? Why do you want to lie that people should leave court because you are observing Covid?”
But during court proceedings, principal resident magistrate Chongo Musonda said she would only allow eight family members in court.
“Only four members from the deceased side and four members from the accused person’s side should be in court,’’ said magistrate Musonda.
The matter has been adjourned to June 30, 2022.
-Mast
