Former anti-corruption chair, Mwenye, denies $3 million bribe allegations in legal dispute

Former Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Board Chairperson, Musa Mwenye, has denied any involvement in influencing the outcome of the dispute between Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) Plc and Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC), despite serving as CEC’s private legal counsel.

This denial followed a defamation lawsuit Mwenye filed against Kankoyo Member of Parliament, Heartson Mabeta, who accused him of seeking a US$3 million bribe to sway High Court Judge Charles Kafunda.

Mwenye stressed that the ACC had no interest in the private contractual dispute between KCM, which was majority-owned by a foreign investor, and CEC, which he represented through his law firm.

He maintained that his role as a private lawyer did not create a conflict of interest, nor did it required any formal disclosure.

As a non-executive chairperson of the ACC board, Mwenye noted he was not a full-time employee of the ACC and was entitled to practice law independently.

He further highlighted that the ACC operated autonomously, independent of the government’s executive, legislative and judicial branches.

Mwenye also denied that his position at the ACC granted him any influence over the proposed scheme of arrangement between KCM and its foreign shareholder.

He asserted that his duty as legal counsel was to ensure the court was guided by law and facts to reach a just decision.

Additionally, Mwenye dismissed the relevance of the KCM-CEC matter to Mabeta’s constituents, pointing out that Kankoyo constituency, located in Mufulira, was not directly affected by KCM’s operations.

He argued that Mabeta’s allegations were driven by personal motives, not concerns for his constituents.

Mwenye clarified that Mabeta was present in court and fully aware of his role as CEC’s legal representative.

He reiterated that the ACC did not interfere in court matters or influence judicial decisions.

Regarding the case timeline, Mwenye noted that the matter was concluded promptly, with a ruling delivered on June 28, 2024, following a hearing on June 19, 2024, well within the legally mandated 90-day period.

Mwenye also maintained that his objections to KCM’s proposed scheme were strictly professional and denied any misconduct. In his defamation suit, he argued that Mabeta’s accusations were false, malicious, and lacked factual basis, contending that freedom of expression cannot justify defamation.

Mwenye is seeking damages for the alleged defamation.

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