By 
Former First lady, Esther Lungu, has pleaded not
guilty to a criminal indictment accusing her of theft of motor vehicle and and certificate of title to a land located in Libala.
Appearing before Lusaka Magistrate, Mbuywana Sinvula, Esther, who is jointly charged with James Phiri and Lee Chisulo, both police officers, Kapambwe Lungu and Catherine Banda with theft of motor vehicle and theft charges denied committing the offences.
The State removed from the indictment the charge against the First lady of possession of $400,000 suspected to have been obtained through criminal activities.
At the last sitting held on September 29, 2023, Magistrate Sinvula recused herself from handling the matter because the charge of possession or concealing money amounting to US$400,000, property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime was the preserve of the Economic and Financial Crimes Court, which was not within her jurisdiction.
But Esther’s lawyers who included counsel Jonas objected and asked the court to reverse the ruling arguing there was no prescription as to which court is designated as a Financial Crimes Court at the Subordinate court and cited Article 133 of Act no. 2 of 2016 .
The State then asked for more time to respond to the defence application.
But yesterday, the State applied for an amendment to the indictment in which count five should be removed.
The defence rendered no objection. Trial in the matter commences on November, 27, 2023.
Esther was accompanied by her husband, former president Edgar Lungu and Patriotic Front (PF) party members.
In count one, allegations are that the accused persons between August 9, 2021 and September 30, 2022 in Lusaka, jointly and whilst acting together, did steal a motor vehicle namely a Mitsubishi Canter registration number BAV 5282 valued at K320,000.00, the property of Elizabeth Change Phiri.
While in count two, allegations are that the five on the same date, in Lusaka, did steal a Toyuta Runnex registration number BLA 9772 valued at K 110,000.00 the property of Elizabeth Change Phiri.
In count three, it is alleged that the Esther jointly and whilst a ting together with the other four suspects, between August 9, 2021 and September 30, 2022 did steal a Toyota Alex registration number BAV 3986 valued at K 110,000.00 the property of Furhana Patel.
In count four, the former First lady, Chisulo, Lungu and Banda on the same date in Lusaka, jointly and whilst acting together, allegedly stole a Certificate of tittle relating to stand No. S/LUSAKA/0003/2977 located in Libala Lusaka Water Works valued at K 1 ,050,000.00, the property of Elizabeth Change Phiri.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments