By 
The Lusaka Magistrates’ Court erupted in laughter after Japanese investor Satoshi Sakamoto testified that former Kasama Member of Parliament, Kelvin Sampa, had claimed to be President Hakainde Hichilema’s “right-hand man.”
Sakamoto told the court that he trusted Sampa after being invited to a dinner attended by key government officials, including Health Minister Elijah Muchima.
He further stated that Sampa took him to a piece of land in Lusaka, where he saw a truck branded with images of President Hichilema and Vice President Mutale Nalumango.
Sampa reportedly told him the truck had been donated to the President’s election campaign and that, as a northerner, he had played a key role in securing votes for Hichilema.
“I trusted him completely. He said he was the right-hand man of President Hakainde Hichilema. I believed him,” Sakamoto testified.
Sampa is facing charges of illegal possession of forged banknotes, theft by agent, and possession of paper or implements for forgery.
Sakamoto, 62, a partner in Tanzania-based Diamond Oceans Limited, testified that he learned about a gold-buying opportunity in Zambia through his business partner, Kunihiro Fugishima.
Fugishima allegedly introduced Sampa as a trusted friend who could facilitate all legal procedures for purchasing and transporting gold.
“I felt it was a good opportunity, so I decided to come to Zambia from Japan,” Sakamoto said.
After delays in Tanzania, Sakamoto arrived in Lusaka on August 28, 2024, and checked into Fallsway Villa. That same night, Sampa visited him and introduced a seller along with seven others.
The seller presented four gold bars and demonstrated their authenticity using a cylinder, burner, and analyzer.
“We went outside, where one bar was melted. I confirmed that it was pure gold,” Sakamoto recalled.
The seller set a condition that Sakamoto purchase five kilograms of gold for US$300,000, but he only had US$80,000. Sampa reportedly assured him that he would facilitate the balance.
Before the deal proceeded, Sampa allegedly warned that the seller and his associates were dangerous and could attempt to steal the money.
Concerned for his safety, Sakamoto handed over the $80,000 to Sampa for safekeeping, but the transaction never materialized.
“I waited, waited, and waited… but nothing happened. Even now, I am still waiting for my money,” he told the court.
After a week, Sakamoto began demanding a refund.
His lawyer, Dickson Jere, arranged a meeting with Sampa and Fugishima, where Sampa agreed to return the money.
Sampa initially claimed it was in his FNB account, with a withdrawal limit of US$15,000, but no money was withdrawn.
Days before Sakamoto’s visa expired, Sampa returned with a blue bag but kept the key.
Jere later informed him that Fugishima and Sampa had visited a locksmith and opened the safe in his absence.
It was then that Sakamoto discovered the money inside was counterfeit.
Trial continues on February 24.
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