Trial of ex-Secretary General of PF, Mwila, fails to take off as govt witness pleads ill-health

Trial in the matter in which former Patriotic Front (PF) Secretary General, Davies Mwila, is facing two counts of possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime and failure to report suspicious transaction has failed to take off at the Lusaka magistrate court.

This was after the state on Monday informed the court that the witness who was supposed to testify was indisposed.

“The state is not ready to proceed with the matter today, witness on stand is indisposed we are applying for an adjournment,” state submitted.

In response, the defense said they had no objection to the application.

In this matter, Mwila, 59, of 343 MN Mukuba is jointly charged with Anna Mwitwa, a Lawyer of 4061 Mwengele Rd Sunningdale in Lusaka.

The two are facing two counts of possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime and failure to report suspicious transaction contrary to Section 45 of the Financial Intelligence Act No. 46 of 2010 of the Laws of Zambia.

Mwila pleaded not guilty to possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime valued at over K102 million believed to be the 2021 election campaigns funds.

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It is alleged that Mwila and Mwitwa, on dates unknown, but between January 1, 2021 and August 31, 2021, in Lusaka jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown, did possess K102, 600, 000.00, property reasonably suspected of being proceeds of crime.

In the second count, Anna Mwitwa, on dates unknown, but between 1 January, 2021 and August 31, 2021, at Lusaka, in the Lusaka District of the Lusaka Province of the Republic of Zambia, intentionally or negligently did fail to report suspicious transactions in the sum of K102, 600, 000.00 to the Financial Intelligence Centre.

The court adjourned the matter to September 14, 2023 for continuation of trial.

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