The long-awaited judgment in the corruption case involving Livingstone Mayor Constance Muleabai has been pushed forward once more, extending what has become a highly anticipated and increasingly delayed - legal process.
The Livingstone Magistrates’ Court this morning adjourned the matter to February 2, 2026, after the presiding officer, Senior Resident Magistrate Trevor Kasanda, once again failed to travel to Livingstone to deliver the ruling.
This marks the third time the final judgment has failed to take off. Chief Resident Magistrate Kalifano Manyepa, sitting in for the court session, confirmed the postponement. Notably, both the accused and her defence team were absent.
Mayor Muleabai has been on trial for allegations that she solicited 120,000 Kwacha and later received 180,000 Kwacha from businessman Mark Gabites, allegedly as an inducement to facilitate a 100% remission of property rates owed to the Livingstone City Council by Zamnuka Farming Limited.
Earlier in the proceedings, Magistrate Kasanda ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case, one strong enough to warrant the mayor answering to the charges. Muleabai, however, has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
In her defence, she acknowledged having a family friendship with one of the State witnesses, Monde Sumbwa, but dismissed allegations that she collaborated with anyone to extract money from Zamnuka Farming Limited.
With today’s adjournment, the community’s attention remains fixed on the Livingstone Magistrates’ Court as the city’s civic leader awaits her fate - freedom or legal consequence.
Just to Unlock Your Mind
This case has not just been legally complex - it has also been chronically delayed. Here’s the real timeline behind the repeated adjournments:
29 November 2025 - The original judgment date. Court business collapsed after Muleabai failed to appear due to illness.
17 December 2025 - The rescheduled date. Magistrate Kasanda did not travel from Lusaka, forcing the court to set a new date.
19 January 2026 - Expected to be the decisive day, but again, the presiding magistrate did not travel, derailing the ruling.
2 February 2026 - The newly set date, and now the fourth attempt to deliver the judgment.
These repeated disruptions have fueled public impatience and speculation.
Whether this next date will finally bring closure remains in the hands of the judiciary - and the travel schedule of the presiding magistrate.
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