By PERPETUAL SICHIKWENKWE –
A MINIBUS driver who knocked down a police officer of Lusaka, Marjorie Moyo, has been slapped with attempted murder charge.
Meanwhile, owner of the vehicle involved in the incident which was being driven by Stephen Phiri, has appeared in court for five different offences.
Phiri, 23, of house number C286, Mtendere Township in Lusaka, is alleged to have on February 27, this year attempted to murder Constable Moyo.
The police officer was knocked down, while on duty, between Marshlands and the University of Zambia on the Great East Road.
Ms Moyo sustained life-threatening wounds and has since been evacuated to South Africa for further medical attention.
Phiri, who had his case allocated to Magistrate Humphrey Chitalu by chief resident Magistrate Aridah Chulu could, however, not have the charge explained to him as he was not before the court.
Meanwhile, Madalitso Musakanya, owner of the minibus which Phiri was driving, appeared in the Lusaka Magistrates Court yesterday charged with permitting an uninsured motor vehicle, failure to change ownership and permitting an unlicensed driver.
Musakanya, 27, an accountant, was also charged with permitting the use of his motor vehicle without identity.
He is in the first count alleged to have on February 27 this year permitted Botha Kaputula to drive a motor vehicle, namely, Toyota Hiace minibus registration number ALJ 7248 on Great East Road.
Musakanya was in the second count alleged to have on the same date allowed Mr Kaputula to drive the minibus along the Great East Road when there was not in force, in relation with the use of the motor vehicle, a valid certificate of fitness.
In the third count, Musakanya is alleged to have on February 27 this year permitted Mr Kaputula to drive the motor vehicle even when he had failed to change ownership.
He is also alleged to have on the same date allowed Mr Kaputula to drive the vehicle when he was not the holder of a valid driving licence authorising him to drive a motor vehicle of that class or description.
Additonally, Musakanya is alleged to have on February 27 this year permitted Mr Kaputula to drive the vehicle when there was not in force a road service licence in respect of public service vehicles.
Musakanya had his case allocated to Magistrate Faides Hamaundu where he was expected to take plea.