RB appear for mention over the campaign donations by Chinese form

Former President, Rupiah Banda yesterday appeared for mention in a matter in which he is charged with one count of concealing gratification of Mitsubishi Light Trucks all valued at over KR470, 000.

Banda who appeared before resident magistrate Obbister Musukwa could however not take plea because the prosecution was awaiting further instructions from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

When the matter came up yesterday, chief prosecutions officer, Dennis Simwinga from the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) told the court that the matter was coming for explanation of a charge because instructions from the DPP were not ready.

Banda, 75 of Lusaka’s State lodge Township is charged under section 36 of the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) Act number 38 of 2010.

Particulars were that the former president between January 1, 2011 and August 30, 2012 received trucks registration Numbers,FE 538E-20252, FE 649E- 520121,FE 648E-501363, FE 648E-501111.

Others include, FE 63EG-550624, Hino Ranger chassis number FD 2 JLB-16068, Toyota Toyoace, BU 212-0104855, Fuso fighter number KK 618K-510102 as property which was obtained as gratification from Sogecao Zambia limited a subsidiary at Anui foreign economic construction company to construct the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

The said trucks were alleged to have been registered in the names of James Banda, Verecy Lute Banda and Kelvin Sampa.

“As indicated today you are not going to take plea as the prosecutor is waiting for instructions, Iam just going to explain the charge to you only until the instructions are obtained from the DPP’s chambers,” Magistrate Musukwa said.

Magistrate Musukwa told Banda that he would only take plea after further instructions were received from the DPP’s chambers.

The matter had since been adjourned to May 30 this year for another mention.