Lusaka Chief Resident Magistrate, Davies Chibwili, has ruled that the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) is in order to file a certificate of no bail to Goldgate suspects.
In his ruling, Magistrate Chibwili says Section 123 of the Criminal Procedure Code Chapter 88 of the Laws of Zambia, gives the DPP powers to deny bail if the state may be prejudiced.
He says the Magistrate has powers to grant bail on matters tried by the High Court except matters such as Murder, Aggravated Robbery and Treason hence the certificate from the DPP is rightly before court.
Meanwhile, the defence has raised a judicial notice demanding for the state to give reasons why the accused should be denied bail.
Lawyer, Martha Mushipe, argues that the State is treating the accused like animals by taking away their right to freedom without giving reasons.
In this matter, five Egyptians and six Zambians are charged with Espionage contrary to the State Security Act.
The matter comes up on Wednesday, 30th August, 2023 for the prosecution team to reply.
By Rhodah Mvula