Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Lusaka Magistrate Court has granted former Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo k20, 000 cash bail with two working sureties in the like sum.
This is in a matter in which Mr. Lusambo aged 45 of Chamba Valley is charged with three counts of attempting to interfere with witnesses in an ongoing court case with the anti-corruption commission.
The accused who was arrested on Tuesday morning after an appearance with his wife at the Lusaka magistrate court was flanked by his legal team and family members.
Mr. Lusambo has however pleaded not guilty to the alleged offenses.
The matter has since been adjourned to June 27 and 28, 2022 for commencement of trial.
Meanwhile Former Tourism Minister, Ronald Chitotela has appeared in the magistrate’s court on two charges of possession of property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime.
Mr Chitotela appeared before Honourable Jenipher Bwalya, Principle Resident Magistrate at Lusaka subordinate court following the recent arrest by the Anti-Corruption Commission.
In the first count, Mr. Chitotela was charged with possession of property number 3270/m between 1st may 2017 and 30th October 2018 which is located in Lusaka and valued at 380,000 kwacha is reasonably suspected of being proceeds of crime.
Mr. Chitotela today appeared in the Lusaka subordinate court but could however not take plea as the defence raised a preliminary issue.
The Defence argued that Mr. Chitotela was previously arrested and charged on the same offences and a settlement agreement was entered into with the commission and registered in court.
The state objected to the defence application stating that a settlement agreement under section 80(3) cannot operate as a bar to the proceeding before court.
The state also raised a preliminary issue in which they argued that one of the defence lawyers, Andrew Kombe should recues himself from the case as he is a potential witness in the matter.
Magistrate Jenipher Bwalya has since reserved ruling to be delivered on 18th may 2022 on the two issues raised.
This is contained in a statement issued by Timothy Moono, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer.