The Lusaka magistrate court has freed Dr. Chitalu Chilufya and seven others in a case where they were accused of conspiracy to defraud the state in connection with the HoneyBee drugs supply case. The accused were alleged to have conspired to defraud the government out of over US$17 million.
The case had attracted significant attention in Zambia, with many closely following developments and waiting for the outcome. Dr. Chilufya is a well-known figure in Zambian politics, having previously served as Minister of Health before being appointed as Minister of Agriculture in 2020. The other accused in the case included former Attorney General Likando Kalaluka, former Ministry of Health permanent secretary Caroline Kakulubelwa, and procurement officer Wilson Lungu. The case also involved Honeybee Pharmacy Limited directors Abdurrauf Motala, Zakir Motala, and Imran Lunat, as well as pharmacist Emmanuel Mubanga.
When the matter came up for a trial, the prosecution team made an application to discontinue the matter pursuant to section 88 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The court subsequently discharged all of the accused persons.
The decision to discontinue the case is significant, as it represents a victory for Dr. Chilufya and the other accused. The allegations against them were serious, and the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence was a real concern. The decision to withdraw the charges will be welcomed by many, particularly those who have supported Dr. Chilufya and the other accused throughout the case.
The reasons for the state’s decision to discontinue the case are not yet clear, and there is likely to be ongoing speculation and discussion around the matter in the coming weeks. However, the outcome will be seen by many as a reminder of the importance of following proper legal procedures and ensuring that cases are based on solid evidence before pursuing prosecution.
The case has also highlighted broader issues around corruption and transparency in Zambia. Corruption is a significant problem in the country, and there have been numerous high-profile cases in recent years. The HoneyBee case was seen as a test of the government’s commitment to tackling corruption, and the decision to withdraw the charges may be seen by some as a setback in this regard.
However, there are likely to be differing views on the matter, and it will be interesting to see how the case is interpreted by different sections of society. For Dr. Chilufya and the other accused, the outcome is a significant victory, and they will be keen to move on from the case and resume their normal lives.
In a statement issued after the court’s decision, Dr. Chilufya thanked his supporters and expressed his relief at the outcome. He also acknowledged the challenges that the case had presented, both to himself and to his family.
“This has been a difficult time for me and my family, and I am grateful for the support that we have received throughout this process,” he said. “I am now keen to move on from this matter and to continue working for the good of our country.”
The HoneyBee case is likely to be remembered as one of the most high-profile legal cases in recent Zambian history. The decision to withdraw the charges will be seen as a significant development, and it will be interesting to see how the case is interpreted and discussed in the coming weeks and months. For now, however, Dr. Chilufya and the other accused can celebrate their victory and look forward to putting the case behind them.
The magistrates will be fired or transferred!!!
AND RIGHTLY SO
IF THERE WAS ANY WRONG DOING ON THEIR PART
The prosecution has applied to discontinue the case. It has nothing to do with the court.
Its not the magistrate. The decision to discontinue the case was made by the prosecution but knowing my country a lot of people have been paid. I havent forgotten how an ACC “detective” decided to testify for the accused in this very case
PF was not Corrupt. but took Zambians For granted that is why the lost 2021 election.
No. They were thieves
REALLY kikiki
It’s due to the mad rush to arrest and issue media statements before real investigation has taken place. Will the ACC learn any lesson? I doubt it.
UPND won the elections by lying. This was one big lie they used to smear their opponents. They lied so much this and made Dr Chilufya look like a bush Doctor. Then they lied about the 48 houses. They smeared Lungu with the 48 houses. It was there campaign song- a big lie.
It is all coming to the fore.
Before stealing, make sure you share with those who are likely to investigate you or prosecute you because that way they are accomplices to the crime. Zambians are being taken for a long ride. They will continue to steal until you wake up to the fact that the whole thing is just a game.
This Chilufya is professional . Respect him. He set up proper systems at the ministry of health for drug procurement. You then bring someone who has no idea of running such an important ministry as a minister of health. She throws all the important systems and procedures in the dust bin. And today you are wondering why there no drugs in the hospitals. Wake up and get a professional like Chilufya to run that ministry.
The Upnd even hired that technician from the Pharmacetitcal something to come and lie about Chilufya. Even technicians and Zambia bureau of standards were forced to fake lab results on condoms . What a shame!
Upnd please concentrate on the ongoing corruption… stop it before it gets out of hand.
Theliz no corruption in UPND. When we leave Government, we will be vindicated just like PF.
Shocking this, coming directly after the freeing of the croatians….
Zambians have a vivid memory on the professional conduct of Hon. Dr. Chitalu Chilufya. (a) He coordinated the building of District hospitals of similar architectural plan in all provinces of Zambia. (b) He ensured efficient distribution of drugs to all health facilities. (c) During the COVID-19 epidemic Dr. Chilufya liaised well with WHO and played a respectable role as Public Relations Officer to attract donations that contributed to wiping out the virus in Zambia. In Africa good Angelic professions end up being persecuted as witnessed in the SADC region.
Zambian investigative agencies are useless. No one can be successfully prosecuted here.
I agree. We are wasting time taking any crook to court
How can thieves jail fellow thieves?
COULDNT PUT IT BETTER
What a drama from Shakespear. How do you expect thieves to prosecute fellow thieves?
Hahaha the truth is coming out now. Pf was never corrupt. Upnd created a false narrative to suit their political aspirations. For that, they will lose next election. I am experienced in analysing politics.
UPND lies are coming out…….They lied the 48 houses belonged to Edgar Lungu.
The case has been discontinued…….it’s not an Acquittal. Could be change of strategy by prosecution.