By Burnett Munthali
Magistrate Rodrick Michongwe has issued a stern warning to the defense team representing Lin Yunhua, a Chinese national accused of attempting to bribe a judge. Michongwe emphasized that while the defense may request adjournments, repeated delays would not prevent the court from proceeding with the case, underscoring the importance of ensuring the trial moves forward without obstruction.
The case has faced multiple adjournments, with the most recent delay occurring on Wednesday when Precious Kalulu, representing Yunhua’s lawyer Fostino Mayere, requested another postponement. Kalulu explained that Mayere was engaged in another case at the High Court. While Magistrate Michongwe allowed the request on this occasion, he made it clear that further delays would not be tolerated.
The prosecution, led by Peter Sambani, Principal Legal and Prosecution Officer at the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), assured the court that they were fully prepared to proceed with the case. Sambani’s comments highlighted the readiness of the prosecution to address the charges against Yunhua without further hindrance.
Yunhua, who is currently serving a 14-year prison sentence for wildlife crimes and money laundering, now faces additional charges of corrupt practices involving public officers. The prosecution alleges that while on remand at Maula Prison, Yunhua offered a bribe of 30 million Kwacha and the completion of a house to Aaron Ganyavu Kaunda, the prison officer in charge, to facilitate his temporary release. The bribe was reportedly intended for Yunhua to buy agricultural seeds for his prison garden.
In addition to this accusation, Yunhua faces more severe allegations, including the attempted bribery of a judge, further complicating his legal predicament. The escalation of these charges has drawn significant attention, with the court now tasked with addressing the mounting accusations against Yunhua.
Magistrate Michongwe’s warning serves as a reminder that the legal process must proceed efficiently, despite attempts to delay proceedings. The case has been adjourned to a later date, but with the court’s firm stance, it is clear that no further postponements will be tolerated. This marks a crucial moment in the ongoing legal battle, as both the defense and the prosecution await the next steps in this high-profile case.
