Lawyer did not betray me, says Mahthani

Lawyer did not betray me, says Mahthani
By Ernest Chanda
Wed 13 July 2011, 11:59 CAT

DR RAJAN Mahtani’s office says one of his lawyers, Steven Malama did not betray him but simply recused himself from a forgery case.

Disputing Monday’s story from an online publication The Zambian Watchdog entitled ‘Another lawyer betrays Rajan Mahtani’; which has since been removed from the website, Dr Mahtani’s office said in a statement yesterday that the story was a complete falsehood.

The office has since demanded an apology from the author of the story, saying the article was meant to defame Malama’s character and integrity and lower his standing in the legal profession.

“It is sad that the author of the previous article abused the Watchdog by presenting a false and deliberately distorted article on the court proceedings of today Monday! It seems this mischief has been in play from the time Rajan Mahtani has had many allegations made against him none of which have yet been proven,” the statement read.

The statement further said Malama did not betray Dr Mahtani, but simply recused himself because the state indicated that it would consider him as its witness.
The statement said at the time the state indicated on June 1 this year that it would consider calling Malama as its witness, the court advised it to make a formal application which had not yet been done.

“Mr Malama SC is a very senior lawyer in the profession and the legal fraternity. He expressed disappointment at the lack of courtesy on the part of the prosecution of advising him of their intent earlier since the case has progressed considerably.

He awaited a formal application but this was not as yet presented to the court. He decided consequently, to recuse himself from this case in the interest of the trial being free and fair,” read the statement.

“Dr Rajan Mahtani is charged with Parvathi Nachimuthu and Chisha Mutale. This relates to Zambezi Portland Cement Limited where Mr Steven Malama SC is chairman. This case was initiated by the DEC Drug Enforcement Commission whose ambit does not cover prosecutions of such charges and the only proper authority would be the police.”