Tension, grief and raw emotions filled Courtroom Number 5 at the High Court on Friday as proceedings in the murder trial of Victoria Bobe were briefly brought to a halt following a heated confrontation between the defence and a State witness.

The dramatic exchange unfolded during the cross-examination of State witness Christopher Pangeti by defence lawyer Michael Goba Chipeta.

Chipeta repeatedly questioned Pangeti on whether the suspects had been assaulted while in police custody.

The courtroom fell silent before Pangeti responded:”My Lady, I will not answer that question.”His response immediately heightened tensions between the two, prompting Judge Ruth Chinangwa to intervene.

“Counsel, let’s leave emotions aside,” Justice Chinangwa said, urging both sides to remain composed.

Her remarks drew murmurs from members of the public gallery, many of whom appeared to agree with the judge’s call for calm.

Despite the intervention, Chipeta continued pressing the witness for an answer, prompting members of the prosecution team to object and come to Pangeti’s defence.

With emotions continuing to rise and the exchange showing no signs of easing, Justice Chinangwa suspended the proceedings promptly.

“Let’s adjourn,” she ordered.

When the court reconvened, calm had returned to the courtroom and the hearing continued.