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The Anti-Corruption Commission has revealed its plans to appeal the decision of the Lusaka Magistrate Court to acquit former Justice Minister Given Lubinda.
On April 18, 2024, the Lusaka Magistrate Court acquitted Lubinda of corruption charges, noting that the prosecution had failed to meet the burden of proof.
During a media briefing in Lusaka on Friday, ACC Head of Corporate Communications, Timothy Moono, revealed that the commission intended to appeal to the High Court after conducting a thorough analysis of the judgment.
“I wish to indicate that the Commission will appeal against Mr. Lubinda’s acquittal to the High Court after we conduct a thorough analysis of the judgement delivered yesterday,” Moono indicated.
He added that the commission received a total of 417 reports regarding suspected cases of corruption during the first quarter.
Moono explained that out of these cases, 191 reports did not contain elements of corruption and were, therefore, referred to other institutions, with complainants being advised on how best to pursue the matter.
He said the commission seized 68 motor vehicles valued at over K41 million.
“From the 417 reports that were received, 226 reports contained elements of corruption and of these reports 170 were authorized for investigations,” Moono stated.
He added that 56 reports, however, did not have sufficient details of a corruption offence to warrant investigations after a thorough review.
Moono stated that as a result, they were either referred to relevant institutions for administrative action or complainants were advised on other course of action to take.
“The Commission recorded 12 arrests country-wide during the quarter and a total of 83 criminal cases and 27 civil matters were before court,” he said.
He also disclosed that eight convictions were secured, with one acquittal recorded.
During the period under review, two appeals were lodged and by close of the quarter, nine cases were pending judgement.
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He further said the Commission seized 68 motor vehicles whose estimated value was K41,120,000 and that the seizure was made from various companies and individuals arising from investigations conducted.
“Several properties were also restricted and seized in the last quarter whose estimated total value is K25 million,” Moono highlighted.
Additionally, about 25 other motor vehicles whose estimated value was K20,000,000 were forfeited to the State.
Moono stated that the motor vehicles were recovered during the course of investigations and were forfeited to the State after the expiration of a Gazette Notice as no one came forward to claim them.
“The Commission wishes to take this opportunity to assure all stakeholders that it has adjusted to the court rules under the new criminal court procedure that requires the conclusion of cases within five months,” he assured.
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