AFTER six months of battling with the Zambian law, eight Croatians accused of attempting to traffic four Congolese children have been acquitted.
This means that the eight will get to leave the country together with their adopted children.
A businessman and a senior immigration also accused in the same case have also been acquitted.
This is after the Ndola High Court decided to discontinue the matter following inadequate evidence by the Prosecution.
This is a case in which the eight Croatians Zoran Subosic, 52, a guitarist ,Immovic Subosic, 41, an administrator, Damir Magic, 44, an electrical technician, Nadic Magic, 45, a technician, Ladislav Persic, 42, a medical doctor, Aleksandra Persic,43hair salon attendant, Noah Kraljevic, 40, a programme director and Uvona Kraljevic, 36, a dog handler are accused of attempting to traffic four children from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Others are Gloria Sakulenga from Immigration and Steven Mulija.
When the matter came up before the Ndola High Court this morning, Ms Justice Mary Mulanda acquitted the 10 after it was proven that the Prosecution failed to prove elements of the offence.
The accused person’s were set to be placed on defence, but Ms Justice Mulanda stated that it is not in dispute that the children were properly adopted.
“The state have failed to show that the documents were fake and therefore receiving of the children by the Croatians was not unlawful.
In view of the evidence adduced, I find that the prosecution has failed to make out sufficient evidence required to place the accused persons on defence. I therefore acquit them, they are set at liberty, ” she said.
After the 10 were acquitted one of the accused, Ms Sakulenga could not hold back tears, while businessman Mulija expressed happiness.
For the Croatians, their lawyer Kelvin Silwimba commended the judiciary, stating that following the acquittal, his clients will now proceed to their country with their adopted children.
