A BUS driver has testified how social media blogger Mwewa Chitambala allegedly used a knife for deflate tyres on his bus parked near Simoson Building, which belongs to the accused.
Ricky Nyimbili narrated that the bus was parked in a queue since it loads from City Market which is near Simoson building.
The court heard that the incident allegedly happened on May 30 this year.
This is in a matter Mr Chitambala is charged with malicious damage to property, an offence he denies committing.
During hearing, Mr Nyimbili said he was on the material day operating the bus for his employer, Benjamin Chalamuka.
He said he later parked the bus on Kalusha Bwalya Road near Simoson building but that he later heard some sound from the tyres and when he checked, he allegedly saw Mr Chitambala walking.
The driver said he then realised that the accused allegedly deflated the tyres on the bus.
He reported the matter to Mr Chalamuka and the following day, Mr Chitambala was engaged over the issue but he told them to report anywhere they want.
And in his testimony, Mr Chalamuka told the court that after he approached Mr Mwewa, the accused apologised and indicated that he was replace the tyres before he was given a quotation for the same.
The court heard that to date, the accused, who also allegedly told Mr Chalamuka that “bus drivers like parking anywhere”, has not bought new tyres and allegedly told the owner to go anywhere he wants.
And during cross examination, Mr Chitambala, who did not have legal representation, asked Mr Chalamuka to produce the knife purportedly used to slash the tyre.
But in response, Mr Chalamuka said that he did not know where the knife is.
The accused, who was clad in his usual reflector, further asked how a person can just walk around slashing tyres as alleged and if doing so was normal.
In response, the accused said that that would not be normal and claimed that that is what Mr Chitambala did.
Trial continues of September 7 this year.
(Mwebantu, Friday, 11th August, 2023)