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(LUSAKATIMES) Silvia Masebo testifies in William Banda case

Silvia Masebo testifies in William Banda case
TIME PUBLISHED - Friday, December 9, 2011, 10:41 pm

Chongwe Member of Parliament, Silvia Masebo has told the Lusaka magistrate court that Lusaka Province MMD chairman, William Banda organized MMD cadres to go to Chongwe and beat up PF cadres. This is in a matter in which Mr. Banda and four others are facing charges of assault on some Chongwe residents.

Ms Masebo said on 3rd September 2011, she received a call from one of the PF Members in Chongwe, informing her that MMD cadres were beating people in the area. She said when she got to Chongwe she found some PF members who were attacked, by the road side on great east road.

Ms. Masebo says later on she saw Mr. Banda come near her and calling for reinforcement and a few minutes later some MMD cadres were brought in buses and vans.

She says Mr. Banda ordered the cadres to beat and clear all PF cadres because former President Rupiah Banda was to pass there as he was scheduled to have a rally in Chongwe. An emotionally charged Ms Masebo told the court that the MMD youths were armed with Pangas and sticks and were throwing stones at PF supporters.

Ms Masebo positively identified Mr. Banda and another accused person in court, as some of the people who were in the fore front in the Chongwe violence. And Lusaka resident magistrate, Rogers Kaoma warned Ms Masebo against using unpleasant language in court.

This was when responding to a question from defense lawyer Hopday Kabwe, who asked her on whether or not she wanted to outweigh former President Rupiah Banda’s campaign strategy. Ms Masebo had earlier responded that it was nonsense and ridiculous for someone to think that she wanted to outweigh Rupiah Banda.

Trial in the matter continues

MUVITV

Labels: CADRES, COURTS, MMD, POLITICAL VIOLENCE, SYLVIA MASEBO, WILLIAM BANDA

posted by MrK @ 3:55 PM