Best Lodge has re-opened business five months after it was closed to allow investigations in the alleged corruption case involving former Ministry of Health Human Resource manager Henry Kapoko.
The Lodge opened its doors to the public on November 20, 2009.
In a statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka today, Best Lodge Interim Chairman and Spokesperson Brian Sampa apologised to the clients for the inconvenience caused by the closure.
He announced that the lawyers both at Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and KBF and Partners have been informed.
“Best Lodge management wishes to announce the reopening Lodge to the public for business. We wish everyone a fruitful and joyous festival season,” Mr. Sampa’s statement reads in part.
ZANIS
These criminals will continue with their illicity activities. Whats the reason for reopenning? RB at work. Let us not give them business.
Are we surprised? You have to be an i d i o t to be. Bafi colour mwasangusha uwiba normal. Ala Lesa akaya myoca ama tall lay.
I thot this lodge was repossessed as one way of recovering K27 billion?
Does this mean that the lodge has been cleared from the case in court ?? please help me.
RB ati work. Real criminals are free in this country but the innocent always go to prison. Pact please help in 2011.
Merry X-mas you thieving bastards! You have beaten the legal system yet again. Why do we even bother?
# 1 I concur with you, this place ought to be shunned,but mu Zambia they will enjoy even more popularity than ever before
Its just okey dont you think so? let money be flowing into the economy
When the corrupt MMD and its disgraceful leaders are kicked out in 2011 the new government will have many cases to reopen to do justice for the people of Zambia. The plunderers and thieves are getting away unpunished while we watch.
Come2011. I agree with you. Aba ba fi colour balefwwikwa ukukakwa. Kaili their cases should be dealt with within 6 moths. Kafupi should be tried again. Let them wait and see.
But kwena, mwaliba ifipuba mu Zambia. We cant continue living like this, and we even expect donors to respect us. Ukulaumfwa insoni ukulanda ati am Zambian these days.
Goodevening
Not that I’m shielding corruption but I welcome the move – it does not help to close a business or boycott it like #7 suggests, just because the capital to set it up was acquired fraudulently. If this was the rule, very few businesses would survive worldwide because most of them thrive by scandalous means – the examples are too numerous to mention.
The free cash flow and net liquidity of business enterprises is far more vital to the economic development than the prosecution of an individual culprit.
#3 i thot the same 2,wats goin on pa zed
#12 Nine Chale, Your line of thought is out of order, you seem to have forgotten that the capital in this particular case was money stolen from an institution looking after the sick and the dying and seriously do you stand for fraud. Only a benefeciary of these scandals and plunder will agree withyour views.
If Miti is walking with his head high, why should only Kapoka suffer? Thats what happens when you are selectively fighting corruption. Leave Kapoka alone if you cant arrest Miti.
I think it not a bad idea to spend some nights in this lodge, atleast for the first two nights pa z, just to have a feel of what tax payers money if used in a special way could do.
My understanding is that this lodge was openned before that money was stolen. It used to be a house and was being improved slowly. If Kapoko stole some money it was not invested in the lodge or just a bit of it was used on it. The problem we have is that our President is loud mouthed and the govt is rotten. They dissolved FRA board and never told the public. Now they have allowed the openning of this lodge which was closed due to the owner being suspected of stealing govt money. They should come out in open to inform the puplic why this lodge has been reopenned. very soon we shall hear that the govt has been sued for loss of business by Best Lodge management. we are still waiting for Zambian ariways report and the involvement of the Post and Magande, nothing has come out so far.
This might be a sign that soon kapoko will soon be a free man of the city of Lusaka.Anyway this guys knows how to cover their tracks am sure the Acc have not found any evidence connecting the lodge construction to the stolen money.Efyochali nakuli ba Chichi ati where is the Evidence ati iyo all we know is baliba..that is law it su.cks sometimes.
iyi lodge bufi tabaiselepo,pa independece day nalitombelapo sana.ninshi baisele lisa?
In that case, lets be fair and demand the closure of the following companies:
BP for corruptively acquiring the Ogoni peoples oil & land by obtaining land rights from the corrupt Abacha regime.
Chiquita, Marlboro & other American corporate companies which systematically and unlawfully drove out the native peasant farmers and took over their land by setting up huge banana & tobacco plantations where Negroes were forced to work as slaves.
Glaxosmithkline for marketing a vaccine containing Pandemrix, a lethal substance which has been responsible for the deaths of many who have been vaccinated against sw. flu.
Perhaps we Africans are just too trivial or more humane in the way we run our nations- I am not sure. In Europe or America, capital punishment is an obscenity which is only meted out on those that have the potential to distabilize “the governmental system”. They create the monsters that we fail to kill. I dont see any Europeans being dragged into the African courts to answer charges of massacres and genocides committed to Africans in colonial days. Yet underneath a surface of donor/developmental aid, we continue to witness the very grip of colonial slavery that our freedom fighters shed their blood to liberate us from!
Nine chale, great one agian . And seriously do you think that this is govt sponsored move.? What could they possibly stand to gain? This most probably has to do wih the law and technicalities. You see the Govt went to the press over the guest house and Kapoo before they actually had done theeir investigations
The problem is that corruption cases are reported and tried in the media. the other problem is the investigators and prosecutors act as if instructed by ignorant higherups and the don’t inspire confidence. what should have been a straight forward case will probably end up a monumental disaster
Before jumping on the bandwagon as to why this lodge has re-opened, lets wait and see what other information comes out. Some bloggers are too quick to point fingers when we dont have all the facts in order to make informed opinions.
just free kapoko and give him his stuff. After saying there is no jail to put FJT why should other pipo be put away. Enlightened citizens would have to wait for the comming of the 5th republic in 2011 if they wan to fight corruption. For now its wako ne wako. lets go.
Nothing against you Nne Chale but I hate people who talk about slavery up to now. To be honest our fore fathers were taken against their wish. But today Africans take themselves into slavery voluntarily. You find Africans in Germany, Russia, Cech, Slovakia, you name it we are there. Yet and frankly speaking some of these countries are the last place a black man would ever want to live. But hey, what can one do?
Britain gives Zambia £37 million per year. Why don`t we say to Britain, hung on a minute, we do not want your money because we do not want your slave drive mentallity? Lets say that to Holland, Norway, America and the rest who give us something for our survival. Honestly speaking we should have been working towards that by now after how many years of independence?
Its hard to understand what is going on in zambia now, anyway it looks like stealing is very normal in Zambia.
I personally think this business shouldn’t have been openned until Kapoko’s trail has been exhuasted. How can you put someone on trial for having fraudulantly obtained monies to set up a business and let him start amassing more money before the trial id finished? Nine Chale – I am also for continuity of business but do you really subscribe to the idea that this guy should carry on benefitting from this lodge’ proceeds while being tried? IIt only shows how shoddy our judicial systems is. It does not help that our president is just another low profile ganster busy oiling his young wife.
trully speaking ths is a bad sign when it comes to corruption. this lodge is a the centre of a court case yet before the case is disposed off the place is detached? suppose during the case evidence links it to the case?
Yes Amayama – and others that have questioned my pro-business stance. I still think it would make more sense for the government to freeze Kapoko’s personal assets only he has been found guilty by the law. The government can then legally put a claim on his personal shares & benefits from the business.
#26 Magic…you cannot run away from your identity nor can you go on pretending that certain things have not happened – Slavery is part of our history, whether you like it or not. The long-term effects are still real and continue to affect our relations with our former physical (now economic!) colonialists.
“…the things that hurt insruct”…Benjamin Franklin.
correction, 2nd sentence should read: “…only when he has been found guilty…”
I’m getting tired, ready to go to sleep…join y’all tomorrow again.
This just goes to show that criminality has become the norm the zambia. How can this notorious place be re-opened? That is such a shame. By the way, whatever happened to the investigation at the ministry of health? That must have been another charade, like the rest of them.
Glasnot, a place can only e closed if the due law is followed and at each stage a right of appeal exists.It is called democracy. As much as we may not dislike Kapoko he has not beenproven guilty yet or has it been proved that the lodge were proceeds of crime
This is how you fight corruption in Zambia: just appear to be serious, make some threats, put some people in police custody, issue a lot of statements in the press, the donors and the people will really think you are serious. After some time when situation calms down, go back to business as usual, you have fought corruption!!!!!!!!! Walitumpa RB ci colour !!! Smearing butter on us!!!!!!!!!
Everything has its own appoited time bane.just think for a second. Who thot chiluba’s A.S.S. wouldn’t hav been dragged to court and face justice. God is hearing and indeed he’ll answer. the time for justice is coming. kepp looting bafi colour , we will catch up with you
you guys can you keep quite, dont you know me and banda we bought shares in kapoko’s lodge? he will be acquited and no appeal will be allowed.
At least jobs will be restored and the lodge will continue paying taxes. This is a good development.
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For the number of years slavery was abolished, and thank you very much to that British man who Africans never paid a penny, we should have made steps towards development. Yes it took some more years for Zambia to gain “independence” and yes a few more for Zimbabwe. But, surely if an African is going to live in very racist countries like Germany, Cech, Slovakia, Russia and the rest, one has to stop, analyse and ask why. Are Zimbabweans better off with Mugabe or not? Why do we still have send our children to the slave drivers for education? Why not tell them to F off? As long as we still recieve from them, depend on them in one way or the other, we might as well stop whinging and put up with what they are demanding.
Jobs restored and tax? How much do these people working at this lodge get? How much tax does Kapoko pay per month for this lodge? Obviously not enough to sustain the budget! The reason for Kapoko to build more lodges!
Magicroundabout
This is not about Kapoko, this about jobs and business. The fact that the lodge is re-opening means that it was not involved in the money laundering scheme that Kapoko is being tried for (unless you have irrefutable counter evidence). You like the Sata’s you support have just politicized the issue. This about the little jobs it will save and even though the lodge contributes little to the budget, every little is appreciated.
How much do you contribute to the national budget? How many people do you have in employment? You stand their in your high horse in your lavish London townhouse eating more than 4 meals a day and spout your rubbish about how the lodge should remain closed forgetting that the lodge gave people jobs. You are a hypocrite.
#19. Please lets be mature on the way we blog. This is a public forum.
For the life of me, I cannot even start to comprehend just how any serious head of state can spendan 8 hour closed-door ‘reconciliatory’ meeting with 4 members of the Namakando-led dissolved Western MMD committee. Further, to bring in f.o.o.l.s like Mulongoti and Lameck Mangani to an Indaba like this only shows the degree to which Kanitundila is detached from reality. In one breath on 14th May, 2009, Banda stated: “I am in receipt of your letter dated 14th May, 2009 on the above subject. I find the language, accusations innuendos and insinuations in the letter not only objectionable, but also disappointing,” But hardly 6 months down the line, he spends 8 hours with Namakando, giving him K1.3 trillion for the Kalabo-Mongu Road and also claims: I’m not the one who suggested that…
the MMD convention should be deferred but some ‘other’ people within the ruling party”. I do not know where Banda expects Musokotwane to find K1.3 trillion from and if this is not tantamount to succumbing to accusations, blackmail, innuendos and insinuations, then I do not know what does. This shows how Chiluba got himself off the hook. I hope all other Chairmen are watching this soft spot opening.
One can also deduce from this meeting that it is more important to Banda to win the 2011 polls even at the expence of damaging the economy of this country with massive spending on politically motivated projects that would only create a lot of inflationary exurberance in the economy wrecking any prospects for real economic growth. I do not mean no money should be reserved for dev. projects in Western province, my point is it does not need to be this way I just hope he realises the armo he has given them and guess who they will be aiming it at? Kanitundila! The next thing is Namakando is bringing the Barotseland Agreement to the table and given Banda’s newly discovered vunerability, I can’y see him not restoring it.
This also puts into a dire perspective the position of VJ and Aka. I cannot see how the VJ / Aka position can play out within the same MMD sphere with that taken by Banda and Katele. Some people will have to give way and this can only be the former group. However, I do not think those Westerners are going to vote for Banda as long as he does not replace Kunda with one of their own which in my opinion would be a worthy political move on the part of Kanitundila, that’s if he wants to salvage his fast dwindling political fortunes. My verdict is that both ways, Banda is doomed.
Chiluba and his stolen wife are in Nigeria. Last week they attended Prophet T.B Joshua’s semmon in his synagogue. Kalipeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Awe twali belela! They should just release Kapoko and also send him on a 6month vacation to Nigeria ABUJA, PORT HARCOURT, WHATEVER.
#mmd kada. So even Chiluba must have his $8m so that it can flow. What a warped mind you have
what do you expect when you are being represented by zambia’s most dangerous lawyer: KELVIN BWALYA.hes the best criminal lawyer in town and is well known for buying off judges.
#42 Capitalist. I don`t know why you feel you have to disrespect every one on this blog. I am sorry for your age, you are very childish. Look how pathetic you are, talking about 4 meals! What has my post got to do with 4 meals? Then you do realise your pathetic government has made people so poor they can never dream of even half of what you are talking about. Kapoko has not even been tried yet for your information. The other thing is, your government has said nothing about why they closed the lodge and why it has reopened. Tell you what, you are a bunch of amateurs. I bet you didn`t know Zambia recieves £37 million per yer from Britain. Where do you think that money comes from? Not bothered or tell me you are just thick.
That lodge is legal entity and its supposed to operate so that it will be able to meet its various financial obligations. Imagine if it was owing the bank billions and just closed like that.
Ludicrous thinking. So whether involved in an investigation or not it has to reopen because it owes billions! Genius!
Unlike other bloggers, will not comment until I get further information. Absolutely pointless to make opinions about the involvement of Banda etc when there is no evidence whatsoever. This is serious business and should be analysed with a clear head and not just innuendo and speculation. Some of us need to grow up.
Yes some of you need to grow up. How does Banda come in here?
Kapoko was just a pawn in the game.
I would not be surprised if the Kapoko case is dropped because it is too expensive to follow up.That is the way RB operates.
Today I am the spectator, my brother Shalaz how are you? We can take a break of our Egypt battles and watch the drama unfolding amongst our other knowledgable bloggers as I type. Even the calm Jamaco has been dragged into this one. Slum dog shalaz boi tiye titambe. Being quick to listen is very rewarding this I see everday. Wow! Jamaco your knowledge history wows me. Today I am missing my other future wife Olympia chick! We once had a great connection, until she discovered this young brother mwanawakwitu very militant educated and stubborn. Call me king Solomon. lol.
I THINK ITS GOOD NEWS, WE NEED TO KEEP THOSE JOBS GOING. CLOSING IT WITHOUT IT JUST BECAUSE A SHAREHOLDER IS A “SUSPECT” IS A STUPID THING TO SAY THE LEAST. WE NEED TO REALISE THAT WE VE A JUDICIAL PROCESS WHICH WE SHOULD RESPECT COME WHAT MAY. WHILE WE ALL DETEST CORRUPTION THERE IS NO NEED TO THROW AWAY THE LAW AND USE EXTRA-JUDICIAL MEANS TO FIND SOMEONE GUILTY. IF THERE IS ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE OPENNING OBVIOUSLY THE LAW WOULD HAVE PREVENTED IT. LETS BE CIVILISED AND UNDERSTAND THAT JUSTICE IS NEITHER DELIVERED IN THE STREETS NOR NEWSPAPERS, BUT DELIVERED IN COURTS. IF WE DO NOT LIKE IT WE ARE FREE TO CHALLENGE IT IN COURTS. FROM THE COMMENTS, IT IS CLEAR THAT MOST BLOGGERS ARE UNFORTUNATELY IN “INTELLECTUAL CAPTIVITY” WHO MOSTLY RELY ON SUBJECTIVE SOURCES OF INFORMATION FOR…
The lodge was belt on stolen money.
Why does everyone assume Kapoko is guilty? He may simply be a shrewd businessman. If I recall, the kits in question were shown to the public by his lawyer. Believe it or not, it is possible to multiply your money if you have good ideas and good marketing. Does Kapoko actually own the lodge or is he just on their board? And, even if the lodge is his, do you expect him not to make money from a going concern?? If Kapoko is guilty, then his director must be involved. Has he been arrested? No. Leave Kapoko alone – he hasn’t done as much damage as those who are more powerful!!
I am very disappointed with some bloggers who claim to be knowledgeable and up-to-date with current affairs. It is important that before a comment is posted, you stop and think, otherwise you’ll be misleading very innocent and unsuspecting readers. Be like #59, Mwanawakwitu, sometimes. Observe and analyse from a distance before you post anything that will mislead the masses!
Best Home Lodge was never at any time closed by the investigating wings of govt, or is it GRZ perse, if you like, the govt had just RESTRICTED the lodge. Legal minds can come to my aid and explain what restriction means.
The Mgt decided to send the workers on leave, in view of the cases and lack of business. It was by choice of Mgt! Think thick-heads! REF: LT-BHL ASKS EMPLOYEES TO STAY AWAY. Read this related…
Mogadishu kwena uli to le zoona. No wonder umwipwa obe ulya aculila kwa George.Isuka umutwe iwe satanyo ko.
The begining of the end in this saga
#64, Kapoko!!!! I was gonna say you are full of sheet!!! Sorry, but have already said it! Be reasonable and analytical!! Am not your elder brother’s ( Henry) sympathiser, but hey there are laws in this country and they need to be followed, and folowed to the letter! Restriction does not mean reposession! It simply means, that the ownership of the lodge can not be TRANSFERRED OR SOLD, but can continue operating normally. Don’t forget that your laws ( if at all you a zambian) state that an accused person is innocent until proven guilty. After having been found with case to answer, beyond any reasonable doubt! Ngaba mu sanga no mulandu, elyo bakapoka lodge! Wa umfwa we chitotoli Kapoko! I am not vulgar and foul mouthed like you are, but am very upset with you, stupeed idyot!!
Mogadishu wa tombana na kanoko. Bwamba bobe. Who put these restrictions then? Uleasaulafye kwati nifilwa ucita pa ku nyenga noko. Kaili uba mupepi nga na kwitila uwakukunyenga mumatako.
Mogadishu wa to mberna na kanoko. Bwamba bobe. Who put these restrictions then? Uleasaulafye kwati nifilwa ucita pa ku tall mber ner noko. Kaili uba mupepi nga na kwitila uwakuku nye nger mumatako.
HOW CAN YOU BE SURPRISED WHEN CHILUBA’S WIFE WHO STILL IS A CONVICTED CRIMINAL IS HAVING FUN IN NIGERIA ON TAX PAYER’S EXPENSE AS IF THE MONEY THEY STOLE WAS NOT ENOUGH? AND THE COURTS HAVE TO WAIT FOR HER TO HEAR HER APPLEAL CASES ( I DO NOT NEED TO BE LAWYER TO UNDERSTAND THAT SHE IS NOT SUPPOSED TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY WHAT IF SHE DECIDES TO BOLT- DO A RUNNER / LEG IT AS AN ENGLISHMAN WOULD SAY) . WE ARE BETTER OFF LIVING IN ENGLAND THAN WITH THOSE FOOLS RUNING OUR COUNTRY.
#68 Kapoko! I am sorry! I thought I was dealing with a civilised human being or is it a civilised or learned Kaponya! Lol!! My mistake! Apologies to fellow sensible and serious minded bloggers dealing factual based issues! I feel doesn’t make sense trading insults virtually as you never know who you communcating with! Kapoko, you are the people swaying public opinion and ultimately causing GRZ make hasty decisions and subsquently losing seemingly, easy and winnable cases! Just on a few technicalities!! I wish you well and success in your insults!!! May you live longer and become to be a President!!!
#43 Nomba ulefwaya mbepe ati twaile ku swimming pool nelo twaile mukutombana?swimming balachita drown.ninshi mufisamina koma mulafichita.echo fitulikila ku malushi
THE PROBLEM AMONG THE BLOGGERS IS THAT THEY DO NOT UNDERSTAND SEPARATION OF POWERS. RUPIAH BANDA WHATEVER HIS FAULTS DOES NOT CONTROL THE JUDICIARY , JUDGES / MAGISTRATES. IF HE DID, KABWELA WOULD HAVE BEEN JAILED. WE ARE TOO OBSSESSED WITH POLITICS AND CAN’T COMPREHEND NEUTRALITY. IF THE COURTS MAKE A DECISION WE DO NOT AGREE WITH, THEN THEY HAVE BEEN BOUGHT, THEY ARE CORRUPT AND SO ON……. EVERY ONE HAS BECOME A POOR CARBON COPY OF FRED MMEEMBE. RUPIAH DOES NOT CONTROL THE AUDITOR GENERAL WHO ARE AUDITING MINISTRY OF HEALTH. I FEEL SORRY FOR ZAMBIA WITH THE KIND OF THINKING I SEE HERE.
#70 Kapoko is saying the truth. You are full of sh!t in trying to justify your st upid point plum boy. Now grow up. Bakabolala imwe. Start packing your bags and find somewhere to live in 2011.
Thank you for your update. What about the case? How far are they with those criminals?
Give Kapoko the freedom of the city what more if Chiluba and his wife can have a hoilyday on tax payers money.
MMD is involved
I would rather the lodge was turned into a clinic so that the people of Zambia benefit from it. MMD is a party for thieves and hypocrites! We need a new government!
Some pipo say stealing is allowed but you are caught it becomes an offence,otherwise Idon’t mean pipo should be allowed NO, if there is proof that the money used to acquired using Public Funds,the property should go back to the state.Becoz it was not his money .if this situation is allowed then Gvt workers will start gunging up to get rich Knowing that when caught the property go back to them later