Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Housing and Infrastructure Development Minister Ronald Chitotela has pleaded not guilty to four counts of corruption before Magistrate David Simusamba.
The Minister is jointly charged with Gregory Chibanga,Brut Holding Limited and Diris Mukange who also denied the charges.
When the matter came up for plea, Mr Chitotela and his co-accused denied two counts of concealing property suspected to be proceeds of crime and two counts of being found in possession of the said property.
It’s alleged that on dates unknown but between July1,2016 and 30th October,2018 jointly whilst acting together Mr Chitotela and his co-accused did conceal lot number 148 of farm 50 A in Makeni and the remaining extent of subdivisions A lot 22183/M of Lusaka Ibex Hill area.
It is further alleged that the property in question was disguised in the name of Diris Mukange.
Magistrate Simusamba has since adjourned the matter to 20th March,2019 for commencement of trial.
Meanwhile opposition UPND Members of Parliament have continued to walkout on Mr Chitotela in Parliament whenever he stands to speak as a form of protest at his continued stay in while facing corruption charges.
And Speaker of the national Assembly Patrick Matibini has reserved ruling on a point of order raised by Southern province Minister Edify Humukale on whether UPND Members of Parliament are in order to continue leaving the house whenever Mr. Chitotela takes to the floor to address house.
Meanwhile UPND Parliamentary Whip Situmbeko Musokotwane says they will continue walking out on Mr Chitotela until he resigns or he is removed from his position.
The Anti Corruption Commission on 5th February arrested Mr Chitotela and charged him with two counts of concealing property suspected of being proceeds of crime contrary to Section 71 subsection (1) of the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crimes Act Number 1 of 2010.