Former Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo, alongside his wife Wanziya Chirwa, has commenced his defence in a case where they face 11 counts of possession of properties believed to be proceeds of crime. The trial is being heard before Lusaka Principal Resident Magistrate Silvia Munyinya in the Economic and Financial Crimes Court.
During the opening of his defence, Mr. Kampyongo testified that he is unable to provide an account for the values estimated by the state for the properties deemed to be proceeds of crime. Instead, he stated that he can only provide an account of his expenditure on the properties in question.
In a bid to expedite the proceedings, Magistrate Munyinya cautioned defence lawyers against unnecessary adjournment applications. This came after defence lawyer Leon Lemba applied for an adjournment, citing the need to search for relevant documents pertaining to the case.
Magistrate Munyinya granted permission for the production of a duplicate document containing information on the termination of Mr. Kampyongo’s lease for the Eureka plot in Lusaka, which is considered to be proceeds of crime. Earlier, the Anti-corruption Commission (ACC) Prosecutor Virginia Tembo objected to the production of the documents, insisting on the presentation of the original document. However, Magistrate Munyinya ruled that the duplicate document is admissible if it is practically impossible to produce the original.
The proceedings have been adjourned to February 26, 2024, as the trial continues.
The case against Stephen Kampyongo and Wanziya Chirwa has garnered significant attention, reflecting ongoing efforts to combat corruption and ensure accountability within Zambia’s legal system.
Stealing is bad. all these pipo are in trouble because they had a thief for a boss-edgar lungu
Down memory lane —-
State House Insider February 12, 2019
Excellent writeup, great diction and syntax too. There is only one reason why EL won’t fire Chitotela. EL personally benefits from Chitotela’s deals. Chitotela is the link between EL, corruption and the Chinese, much in the same way that RDA Willie Nsanda was the link between corruption and Sata. Ask sources close to Lungu what he means when he says “na’mwamba ukulya shesu?” He always uses that phrase to scold ministers who don’t deliver his share.
Down memory lane —-
The real reasons why Lungu won’t fire Chitotela, February 12, 2019
By Sishuwa Sishuwa
Last week, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) arrested Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Development Ronald Kaoma Chitotela on suspicion of corruption.
Chitotela, 46, was subsequently charged with two counts of concealing property suspected of being proceeds of crime, contrary to Section 71 (1) of the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act Number 19 of 2010.
We all recall when their Boss was recorded complaining on how rich his ministers had become overnight but instead of stopping them, he joined them. These guys looted with impunity and became trend setters in Zambia but UPND are catching up very fast. Nyoni zama pepe umodzi.
All politicians are thieves. Some steal openly and amass a lot of wealth(PF). Others utilise the weaknesses in the system and steal cleverly and amass lots of wealth(UPND).
UPND are thieves too…..but clever thieves.
The prisons are going to fill up soon. Please use CDF to expand the prison cells.
How the mighty have fallen!
Take heart my brother. Uka will soon be here to take care of you
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It is not easy to hide the proceeds of crime when you don’t have a viable income pax paid or money banking trail……….
This is where the PF theives are being caught out……..
……income tax