The Lusaka Magistrate Court has sentenced former Kasama Member of Parliament, Kelvin Sampa, to three years’ imprisonment with hard labour after he was found guilty of theft by servant involving US$80,000 and being in possession of forged bank notes.
Lusaka Acting Chief Resident Magistrate Ireen Wishimanga found Sampa guilty, convicted him and sentenced him accordingly for the second, third and fourth counts.
Magistrate Wishimanga however, acquitted Sampa in the first count where he was accused of stealing US$70,000 because the prosecution failed to provide evidence.
The magistrate said the three-year sentence is effective today.
Sampa, 52, a politician and business executive of Ibex Hill in Lusaka was charged with theft and forgery.
Facts are that between July, 27, 2024 and September 30, 2024, jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown, Sampa was entrusted with US$150,000 cash to purchase gold but he allegedly stole the money.
Between August, 26 and 30 September, 2024 in Lusaka, he jointly and whilst acting with other persons unknown, was entrusted with US$80,000 cash by one, Satoshi Sakamoto, to buy gold but stole the said money.
In the third count, Sampa, on October 9, 2024 had in his possession 110 pieces of forged US$100 bank notes, knowing the same to be forged.
In the fourth count, Sampa is said to on October 9, 2024 knowingly, have had in his custody 100 by 7,622 pieces of light green paper intended to resemble and pass as special paper size.
In mitigation, Sampa’s lawyer, Bornface Ngalashi said the accused was the first offender who is a parent, looking after elderly people and a civil leader.
Mr Ngalashi pleaded with the court to exercise leniency on Sampa who also exhibited remorsefulness.
The lawyer, however, regretted the sentencing of his client, saying it was beyond his control.
He quickly defected to the UPND upon change of government for obvious reasons. And remember it appears UPND does not scrutinise anybody joining them, the reason we have job seekers, money seekers, and those facing legal issues trooping there. As Kabimba has rightly stated, there is need for some screening. But with the desperation, it seems everything goes