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ACC charges Mundubile in K1.5 billion road contract case

Brian Mundubile has been formally charged with corrupt acquisition of public property in a case tied to road construction contracts linked to companies associated with him in Zambia, placing the Tonse Alliance leader under fresh legal scrutiny ahead of the August elections.

The Anti-Corruption Commission action centres on contracts valued at about K1.5 billion, with investigators alleging that works financed through prepayment were not completed in Zambia. The case introduces a direct conflict between state investigators and claims from Mundubile’s legal team that the projects were inspected and accepted.

State Counsel George Chisanga said the charge stems from allegations that two companies linked to Mundubile, Build Trust and Omni, received payment for road works that were not delivered in Zambia. He said the ACC position contradicts earlier government verification which confirmed that the projects had been completed to satisfaction.

Chisanga described the prosecution as unclear and questioned its basis, arguing that official inspection processes had already validated the works. He pointed to government involvement in certifying infrastructure projects and said the matter would be tested in court through documentary records and prior approvals.

He also referenced remarks made by Minister of Local Government Gary Nkombo during a public event in Mongu on 17 January 2025, where the minister acknowledged the contribution of the same contractors to infrastructure works in Itezhi-Tezhi. The speech formed part of the launch of Integrated Development Plans covering Western and Southern Provinces.

At that event, Build Trust and Omni were cited among contractors contributing to road development, with the projects linked to broader plans to improve connectivity and support economic activity in rural districts. The roads were presented as key to unlocking access to energy infrastructure and tourism areas.

Chisanga said the position taken by investigators raises a contradiction, as the same works cited in the charge had previously received official recognition. He added that the government still owes money to the companies involved, arguing that the financial relationship does not support allegations of unlawful gain.

The charge comes days after Mundubile was detained on 19 March in a separate matter involving cyber-related offences. He spent a night in custody before being released, marking a second legal case within a short period as political activity intensifies ahead of the general election.

Outside the Anti-Corruption Commission offices, two individuals identified as sympathisers of Mundubile were apprehended during his appearance for questioning. One of those detained was former Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency director general Victor Nyasulu, who was taken into a police vehicle during the incident captured on video.

Police also picked up another individual following an altercation as Mundubile arrived for questioning. The events unfolded as security officers managed crowds gathered around the premises during the investigation process.

The Drug Enforcement Commission later confirmed that Mundubile had been warned and cautioned in connection with road contracts forming part of the inquiry. The statement linked the investigation to contracts valued at approximately K1.5 billion, reinforcing the scale of the case.

Separate claims circulating in the public domain, attributed to Dr. Chishimba Kambwili, allege that large sums were paid for road construction across multiple provinces without corresponding delivery of works. These claims form part of the broader narrative surrounding the investigation, though they remain subject to verification in court proceedings.

The legal developments unfold at a time when Mundubile is positioning himself as a presidential contender within the Tonse Alliance. His emergence as a candidate has drawn attention within opposition politics, with his campaign gaining visibility ahead of the August 13 vote.

International organisations, including the United Nations Human Rights system, Amnesty International, the United States State Department and the Law Association of Zambia, have recently raised concerns about governance conditions in the country. Their statements form part of a wider context in which legal actions involving political figures are being closely watched.

The case now shifts toward judicial determination, where questions over contract execution, payment flows and prior government approvals are expected to be examined through evidence and witness testimony.

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16 COMMENTS

  1. When will privatisation allegations be handled? It has been years now, this issue needs to be closed.

    • Just push, ……….

      HH has offered a fully furnished 3 bed house for anyone who can come up with the evidence or even point investigators to a starting point ,

      You could own a house badala

      FWD2041

    • Go ask Edgar Lungu. He spent his whole 7 yrs trying to find any evidence of stealing by HH so that Lungu reintroduce the death penalty just for Bally.

      He never found any evidence. The man is a clean as a piece of A? paper!

    • This issue is for dull people who lack insight. Conduct a straightforward investigation into privatization; the information is readily available, so do not be foolish. We had Mwanawasa, Banda, Sata, and Lungu as our leaders, and they did not perceive any issues with anything. Among those in charge were Valentine Chitalu, who managed the ZPA, and Willa Mung’omba, who served as chairman during the privatization process. Additionally, we had Abel Mukandawire, the chairman of the board, and Francis Herbert Kaunda, who was appointed by President Chiluba to lead the Special Privatisation Negotiating Team.

  2. “…….. He said the ACC position contradicts earlier government verification which confirmed that the projects had been completed to satisfaction…..”

    There certificates of completion, but there are no roads..,,…….

    They bribed all the inspectors……and the whole ministry …….

    That’s why Zambia will take whole generations to recover and wake up that such crimes are inexcusable

    FWD2041

  3. We all know those thieves and looters in PF who got billions without delivering . It’s just a matter of time…. Mundubile is in a jam!

    He lives in a glass house. I wouldn’t throw stones if l was him..

    • They made money out of these contracts paying themselves from the money they borrowed.It was Christmas and new year for them leaving the country and the economy in ICU

  4. ACC should also investigate how those contracts were awarded to those companies in the first place. Was there a public tender? Was all procedure followed?

    • The people who authorized were bribed.They ate as well….this is the clean up we were talking about.Starting frm thr tender procurement managemnet to the last man, fire them.They got paid.But the government was too slow

Comments are closed.

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