A banker accused of stealing more than K900,000 from Atlas Mara Bank has been removed from a criminal case due to illness, while her co-accused will continue appearing in court.
This is because Mildred Bupe, 46, has been unwell for over a year and has suffered a stroke, according to court records.
A magistrate has ruled that Bupe will only attend court after she fully recovers.
Bupe, a businesswoman of Lusaka’s Meanwood, is jointly charged with Kaseba Mulela, 35, also of Meanwood, and Mubita Songiso, 43, of Matero, with theft by servant.
It is alleged that between December 22 and December 26, 2023, in Lusaka, Bupe, Mulela and Songiso, while employed by Atlas Mara Bank as a banker and bank tellers respectively, jointly and while acting together stole K987,400 in cash.
The money belonged to their then employer, Atlas Mara Bank.
The case first came before court in 2024, but the trial failed to commence because Bupe had fallen ill, including suffering strokes.
When the matter resumed last week, Lusaka Principal Resident Magistrate Idah Phiri was informed that the accused was still unwell and might require further medical examination.
Senior public prosecutor Michael Nundwe then applied, under Section 88(A) of the Criminal Procedure Code, for the ailing accused to be removed from the case.
“May the case be withdrawn against accused number one, Bupe, pursuant to Section 88(A), so that we remain with accused number two and accused number three,” Mr Nundwe applied.
Magistrate Phiri granted the application and temporarily removed Bupe from the matter.
“Accused number one is discharged. When she is fit to stand trial, she will be prosecuted alone,” the magistrate said before adjourning the case.