By SYLVIA MWEETWA –

TRIAL in a case in which a police officer is accused of stealing court exhibits has started in a Kabwe magistrate’s court.

Henry Mwaba, 37, is facing a charge of theft by public servant contrary to section 272 and 277 of the Penal Code Cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

Facts before the court are that on May 28, 2012, Mwaba Stole six anodes of zinc all valued at K9, 000, property of Zambia Police Service which was into his possession by virtue of his employment.

He has denied the charge.

A taxi driver, Monday Bemba narrated on Wednesday how he was hired by the accused to collect six pieces of anodes of zinc from Kasanda Police Station, but later learnt that the goods were stolen.

He testified before Kabwe Magistrate Temwaninge M’hango that he recalled receiving a phone call from Mwaba on May 26, 2012 asking him to go to the police station to collect some ‘cargo’.

Mr Bemba said upon arrival he found the accused waiting for him outside.

He testified during examination-in-chief by Sate prosecutor Aaron Kuyeli that Mwaba asked him to park the car at the back of the police station and to open the boot where anodes of zinc were later loaded and delivered to Makululu Township.

Mr Bemba said he was paid K50.

Another witness, a police officer, Peter Banda testified that on the material day, he saw Mwaba who was on his phone and seemed to be communicating with someone.

Mr Banda said he later saw a taxi driving within the premises of the police station and parked behind the building.

Mr Banda narrated that the taxi driver at one point could not load the goods alone because they were heavy.

He said he did not know the content of what was being loaded into the car, and that when he asked Mwaba he said that he was investigating a matter and wanted to dispose of the goods.

Trial continues.