‘Politics doesn’t come with receipts,’ Ex-minister Lusambo defends allegations of illegal business transactions

Former Kabushi Member of Parliament, Bowman Lusambo, lost his temper in court on Tuesday when a prosecutor suggested that his lack of receipts for certain transactions indicated criminal activity.

The courtroom was briefly adjourned for 10 minutes to allow Lusambo to regain composure.

The case revolves around allegations that Lusambo acquired multiple properties, including a house in Chamba Valley, through illicit means.

Read more: ACC seeks forfeiture of ex-Lusaka province minister, Lusambo’s properties over unexplained wealth

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has accused him of failing to provide legitimate sources of income for the acquisition of these assets.

During cross-examination, ACC Senior Legal and Prosecutions Officer, Daniel Ngwira questioned Lusambo about his financial history, seeking clarification on his sources of income and business dealings.

Courtroom Exchange

Ngwira: “Who was your employer?”
Lusambo: “I worked for GTV, Carnival Furnitures, and Cash Crusaders.”

Ngwira: “Did these employers provide you with payslips?”
Lusambo: “Yes.”

Ngwira: “List the businesses you have been involved in.”
Lusambo: “Music supply, printing, and my vote business, which supplied music systems.”

Ngwira: “Were these businesses registered?”
Lusambo: “Yes, registered sometime between 1990 and 1996. Initially, it was my brother’s business.”

Ngwira: “Was it ever deregistered?”
Lusambo: “No, Nuclear Sounds is still operational.”

Ngwira: “Did you declare profits from the business to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)?”
Lusambo: “We paid tax.”

Ngwira: “Under what name?”
Lusambo: “At the point of entry, I declared the goods under my name and paid ZRA directly after inspections.”

The courtroom grew tense when Ngwira pressed Lusambo on the absence of receipts, asking whether this could be considered proof of illegal activity.

Lusambo, visibly angered, shot back: “No, I did not engage in criminal activities. Politics doesn’t come with receipts. Even if you asked the President to produce receipts for the political money, he wouldn’t have receipts.”

Court Grants 10-Minute Adjournment

Feeling provoked, Lusambo requested a break: “I need 10 minutes. My temper is high because of the word ‘criminal activities.’”

In response, Chief Resident Magistrate Davies Chibwili granted a brief adjournment, calling it a “health break.”

Upon resumption, Magistrate Chibwili cautioned Lusambo to remain calm, stating: “When you’re on the stand, the other side will test your emotions. If you react, you lose focus. Try to stay composed, and we’ll make progress.”

Lusambo Calls for Integrity in Public Service

Despite his legal troubles, Lusambo urged government officials to avoid corruption, insisting that he had served the nation with integrity during his time in office.

“I call on civil servants and public officials not to dip their hands in the national coffers. I served with integrity, and I expect the same from those in office,” he said.

Trial Continues Wednesday

Lusambo is currently serving a four-year sentence for corruption at Mwembeshi Maximum Prison. His trial for alleged illegal property acquisition is set to continue on Wednesday.

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.