Ex-PF Secretary-General, Mwila, resists arrest after State shows no more interest in continuing corruption case

Former Patriotic Front (PF) Secretary-General, Davies Mwila, refused to be re-arrested by officers just minutes after the State entered a nolle prosequi in a corruption case against him.

Mwila had been facing two counts: possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime and failure to report suspicious transactions.

The charges involved over K102 million, suspected to be linked to the 2021 election campaign funds.

Lusaka lawyer Annie Mwitwa, whose bank account allegedly received some of the funds, was also on trial.

On Wednesday, the trial was set to proceed, but the State failed to present key witnesses, including Godfrey Mulenga and Antonio Mwanza.

Chief Resident Magistrate Davies Chibwili emphasized that adjournments should only be granted in compelling circumstances and the State had not provided sufficient justification for the request despite citing “unforeseen circumstances.”

Magistrate Chibwili rejected the adjournment request and ordered the trial to proceed.

Prosecutor Mwangala Mwala informed the court that efforts to secure witnesses had failed, with one key witness unreachable and the arresting officer unavailable due to official duties.

Despite a renewed adjournment request, Chibwili insisted on proceeding.

However, after a brief recess, Mwala informed the court that the State was discontinuing the case through a nolle prosequi, effectively discharging both Mwila and Mwitwa from the charges.

Following the dismissal, Mwila refused to comply when officers approached him to accompany them to the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) command.

He demanded a formal call-out instead, stating, “Don’t push me. I’ve been coming to court, you are not bringing witnesses and you want to harass me?”

Outside the court, Mwila’s counsel, Charles Changano, criticized the handling of the case, accusing the State of using the nolle prosequi to avoid an acquittal and possible compensation.

Mwila left the scene, driving away as the officers stood stunned.

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