Ex ZAF Chief convicted for theft

Former Zambia Air Force Commander Andrew Sakala has been found guilty of theft by public servant involving K1.5 million by a Lusaka Magistrate Court.
The money was meant for operations prior to and after the 2011 general elections.

Lieutenant General Sakala’s co-accused former Zambia Army Commander Wisdom Lopa and former Zambia National Service Commandant Anthony Yeta have however been cleared of the same charge.

Principal resident Magistrate Wilfred Muma found General Sakala guilty of having stolen K1.5 million contrary to Section 272 and 277 Cap 87 of the laws of Zambia when he delivered judgment in the matter today.

Particulars of the Offence are that between 16th and 21st September,2011, General Sakala received K1,500,000 through the ZAF Aircraft Hire Account , money meant for operations during the September 2011 General Elections which he is alleged to have distributed to his colleagues.

General Sakala has since been remanded in Prison awaiting sentencing on Friday 10th October, 2014.

And the Joint Government Investigations Team has welcomed the conviction of General Sakala.

Joint Government Investigations Team Public Relations Officer Namukolo Kasumpa says the team will however study the Judgment on the acquittal of the other two Generals for further consideration.