MAHTANI’S COURT TRIAL FAILS TO TAKE OFF

Trial in a case in which Former Finance Bank board chairperson, Dr. Rajan Mahtani is facing two counts of acquiring special interest and money laundering charges failed to take off today.

This is because Dr. Mahtani is still recovering from an operation he under went at South Africa’s milpark hospital on 4th August 2011.

Dr. Mahtani’s Lawyer R. Madaika availed Lusaka Resident Magistrate, Joshua Banda a letter dated 8 September 2011, from Dr. Mahtani’s Doctor, Robert Girdwood.
According to the letter, Dr. Mahtani can only resume his normal work duties three months after the operation

Dr. Girdwood also states that Dr. Mahtani underwent quintuple coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, followed by post-operative recovery.

He adds that Dr. Mahtani is progressing well and he has asked him to return for follow ups in two months time.
The matter comes up for Mention on 14 October 2011.

Meanwhile, The Lusaka high court has adjourned to 12th September, the appeal hearing for 3 Patriotic Front (PF) cadres, convicted on assault charges.

The trio, Ashel Kampengele, George Lemba and Francis Mumba are alleged to have assaulted former PF member, Samson Zulu on 5th June 2009.

Lusaka Magistrate, Exornobit Zulu later sentenced the 3 after convicting them on assault charges.

Kampengele, Lemba and Mumba however appealed against their sentences.