By PERPETUAL SICHIKWENKWE –
EXPELLED Patriotic Front (PF) vice chairperson for Inter-city Bus Terminus branch Innocent Kalimanshi yesterday appeared in the Lusaka magistrate court for locking the bus terminus without authority.
This is in a case in which Kalimanshi and Richard Tembo a bus loader are alleged to have on December 4, 2015 jointly and whilst acting with other persons unknown, locked the exit gate of inter-city bus terminus, a public place in a manner likely to cause the breach of peace.
The two pleaded not guilty to a charge of idling and disorderly conduct.
Lusaka Magistrate Judith Chiyayika read out the charge to Kalimanshi and Tembo but they denied ‎committing the offence.
The matter comes up on February 2, 2016 for commencement of trial.
Meanwhile, in another matter, ‎a Lusaka resident has withdrawn an assault charge against Kalimanshi.
It was alleged that Kalimanshi on December 3, 2015 assaulted a Mr Kazoka.
But when the matter came up before Magistrate Chiyayika for commencement of trial yesterday, Mr Kazoka informed the court that he was applying to have the matter withdrawn in the spirit of reconciliation.
Mr Kazoka said Kalimanshi was more like a brother to him since the two had worked together for a long time.
Kazoka said he was not interested in any payment as the decision to forgive forgive Kalimanshi was from deep down his heart.
After Magistrate Chiyayika allowed the application, Kalimanshi and Mr Kazoka shook hands and hugged each other as a sign of reconciliation.