Mwiinga tells court how he taught English, partnered with Hong Kong tailor to earn extra income

Former Economic Advisor to President Edgar Lungu, Hibeene Mwiinga, has testified before the Economic and Financial Crimes Court that he earned over K100 million from his engagements in Tunisia and Zambia.

Speaking before Lusaka Magistrate Irene Wishimanga, Mwiinga detailed how his foreign travels and frugal management of allowances contributed significantly to his income.

Read more: Former Lungu economic advisor, Mwiinga, defends income sources in court

Mwiinga explained that he consistently saved money during his foreign trips by opting for more affordable accommodations, despite state allowances being based on high-end stays.

He presented evidence of his frequent travels using two passports filled with stamps, which he claimed were substantial sources of income as the travel allowances far exceeded his regular pay.

Mwiinga testified that his payroll-based income was US$1.5 million, but additional earnings from travel allowances and investments brought his total income to US$1,825,600.

He also claimed to have engaged in other ventures while working in Tunisia, including teaching English and partnering with a Hong Kong tailor to supply suits to ADB employees, which he said brought his total earnings from Tunisia to over US$5 million.

Mwiinga argued that the state’s assessment of his income was incomplete, as it did not account for allowances, leave pay, gratuity, loans and other emoluments.

He claimed that had these been considered, his earnings would have exceeded K166 million.

The case was adjourned to September 23 for further proceedings.

Mwiinga, 60, is jointly charged with his son Hakaantu Mwiinga, 33, and wife, Mercy Mwenda, for possession of properties suspected to be proceeds of crime, contrary to Section 71 of the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act No. 19 of 2010 of the Laws of Zambia.

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