Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Magistrate’s court acquit MMD Mbala Central MP of corruption charges

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Mbala Member of Parliament and former provincial permanent secretary Mwalimu Simfukwe
Mbala Member of Mwalimu Simfukwe

A KASAMA magistrate’s court has acquitted Mbala Member of Parliament of graft charges he was accused of committing during his time as Northern Province permanent secretary.

Magistrate Kelvin Soma said the State had failed to satisfy him on the ingredients of the offence for him to put Simfukwe and his co-accused Elias Simukonde on their defence.

Simfukwe of farm number 7070 Mumbwa Road Lusaka was jointly charged with provincial administration senior procurement officer Simukonde, 41, of number 27 Kasama Girls High School.

Particulars of the case were that on dates unknown but between May 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011 in Kasama as employees of the public service in their individual capacities authorised a contract of delivery and installation of traffic lights.

The sole contract was split by the duo in abuse of authority of their offices which led to the public service incurring a loss of K118, 492,640 an arbitrary act prejudicial to the interests of the country.

Mr Soma said the prosecution had failed to produce witnesses to prove that Simfukwe had employed favouritism in awarding the contract or show how he benefitted from the proceeds.

“It is also an insult to suggest that other members of the provincial procurement unit (PPU) committee that was responsible for awarding the contract were merely passengers leaving the process to be bulldozed the accused one and two.

“At no time did the procurement officer and the permanent secretary sit together to discuss tender issues and none of the PPU committee members were brought to testify on how the two accused person before this court abused their authority,” he said.

The magistrate pointed out lapses in the way the arresting officers had investigated the case by neglecting to get statements from individuals and institutions like Kasama Municipal Council who were key to the case.

A busload of Simfukwe’s sympathisers that were in court begun ululating immediately Mr Soma said Simfukwe and Simukonde were free to go.

Simfukwe who was accompanied by his lawyer Lastone Mwanabo said the acquittal would now give him piece of mind and free conscience.

“I can concentrate on working for the people in my constituency and stand ready to work with the Patriotic Front Government,” he said.

Others that attended the court case to show solidarity are suspended MMD Kasama District officials.

8 COMMENTS

  1. Now this is a good lesson to emmanuel mwamba former PS northern who wanted to launder his name by dragging innocent people to caught.u mwalimu u were a nonsense when u were a PS.u created a lot of enemies.

  2. Mr. Simfukwe, Please use your time now to deliver for the people who sent you to parliament. We do not care who is MP anywhere but we care about developing our areas. Please help bring some sanity to Electricity situation in Mbala. Lunzua hydro power station up-grade should be among your top priorities. The Mbala Aiirforce airport should share the runway with commercial flights if Mbala is to emerge from the sleeping giant syndrome. Any notion of security concerns by any one is simply a lame duck excuse and should be dismissed.

    • LET US NOT DRAG PEOPLE TO COURT FOR POLITICAL REASONS. IT IS SHAMEFUL TO LOSE A CASE OF A HIGH PROFILE PERSON SUCH AS MWALIMU.

      YOU HAVE CAUSED SO MUCH DAMAGE IN HIS LIFE. HE HAS LOST A LOT OF MONEY TRAVELING FROM LUSAKA TO KASAMA AND IN LEGAL FEES. HIS REPUTATION HAS BEEN DAMAGED FOR EVER.

      HOW WILL PF, WHO DRAGGED HIM TO COURT PAY HIM OFF? THAT IS THE PROBLEM IN AFRICA, WHEN SOMEONE INJURES YOU, WE DO NOT SUE, SO THAT NEXT TIME THEY ARE MORE CAREFUL.

      CONGRATULATIONS MWALIMU. YOU EXECUTED YOUR DUTIES WITH HONOUR. IT IS THOSE WHO ARE JEALOUSY OF YOU BECOMING PRESIDENT ONE DAY, WHO WERE NOT HAPPY AND WANTED TO DISCREDIT YOU AT ALL COST.

      LESSON FOR ZAMBIANS. WHEN ONE IS EXEMPLARY AND IS A NO NONSENSE GUY/WOMAN, LETS NOT DESTROY THEM, LETS INSTEAD ENCOURAGE THEM AND BUILD THEM.

  3. Good a by election is looming in Mbala constituency as suggested by former remandee that “I can concentrate on working for the people in my constituency and STAND READY TO WORK WITH THE PATRIOTIC FRONT GOVERNMENT if i resign……………..,” he said. He said the acquittal would now give him piece of mind and free to join any political party of his choice…….. other than be in opposition MMD which has run out ideas

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