Melo News | Tuesday, February 27, 2024 | Lusaka
Former Deputy Inspector-General of Police Charity Katanga, currently incarcerated, is adamant about being granted bail due to her belief that her appeal in the High Court stands a good chance of success.
Represented by her legal team, Malisa and Partners Legal Practitioners, Katanga argues that her release on bail while awaiting the outcome of her appeal would not harm the interests of the State.
The three-year prison sentence handed down to Katanga by Lusaka chief resident magistrate Davies Chibwili on February 19, 2023, was a result of her failure to explain the source of funds used to purchase 10 Higer buses.
Dissatisfied with the ruling, Katanga promptly filed an appeal and requested bail pending the appeal process, a move contested by the State on the grounds of potential prejudice.
The State’s opposition to Katanga’s bail application was based on the argument that her appeal lacked merit and that bail should only be granted in exceptional circumstances, a decision left to the court’s discretion.
In response, Katanga maintains her stance that bail should be approved, emphasizing the absence of evidence presented by the State to support claims of potential harm if she were to be released pending the appeal.