Journalist and socialite Mutale Mwanza was visibly emotional recently as her trial commenced in a matter in which she is accused of alleging that fellow media personality Daisy Mwansa Lusumpa is involved in prostitution.
The proceedings opened before Magistrate Mbuywana Sinvula, who earlier in the session dismissed an application by the defence to adjourn the matter. The defence had sought more time to enable the accused to engage the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for possible plea negotiations.
However, Magistrate Sinvula declined the request and directed that the trial proceed as scheduled. She advised the defence that plea negotiations could continue concurrently with the trial and that the court would be informed of any outcome arising from those discussions.
Following the adjournment of the day’s sitting, Mwanza appeared teary as she left the courtroom.
During the hearing, the State called its witness, Mwiya Nyambe, who told the court that at no point did the social media post attributed to the accused mention Chinyemba Daisy Mwansa Lusumpa. Nyambe’s testimony formed part of the prosecution’s effort to establish the facts surrounding the alleged defamatory remarks.
The matter has since been adjourned to a later date as trial proceedings continue.
