The State has expressed worry about the slow pace at which a wildlife-related case involving a 47-year old Zambian national, Kerby Roy Malambo is progressing.

The matter, which was supposed to resume for hearing on Wednesday, failed to proceed for the second time after Senior Resident Magistrate Wanangwa Nyirenda heard that the accused’s lawyer was not present in the court.

During Wednesday’s scheduled hearing, Malambo was expected to start defending his trial after being found with a case to answer in September last year.

But the trial did not proceed as lawyer for the accused was nowhere to be seen in the court.

Addressing the court, state prosecutor Levison Mangani said the State was ready for commencement of the defense case.

But Magistrate Nyirenda told the State that he met the accused’s lawyer in chamber where he told him that his license expired and could not continue representing Malambo.

Reacting to the development, Mangani asked the court to adjourn the matter to a later date where if the accused’s lawyer will not be present, the court could proceed with the accused carrying out the defense himself.

Magistrate Nyirenda has since adjourned hearing of the trial to March 8, 2022.

Malambo, who was arrested in February last year, is answering three counts bordering on possession of specimen of listed species, dealing in government trophy and importing specimen of protected species without producing to a customs officer valid permit.