Masumba found with a case to answer

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 13:08:23 +0000

North Western Province Deputy Minister Steven Masumba has been found with a case to answer in a matter where he is accused of obtaining pecuniary advantage through false pretences.

Magistrate Wilfred Muma, who has since put Masumba the PF Mufumbwe parliamentarian on his defence said he considered the evidence brought before the court by the prosecution team satisfactory.

Magistrate Muma said that he was satisfied that the state has established a prima facie case against Masumba beyond any reasonable doubt.

Masumba’s lawyer Matakela Lisimba, however asked the court to grant the accused person at least a one month adjournment so that the defence could have enough time to prepare for the defence of the matter.

Mr Muma set March 11 for commencement of defence after the prosecution team from the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) could not further argue the matter.

This is in a matter where Masumba,31, of NAPSA Housing Unit Ibex Hill, is charged with one country of obtaining pecuniary  advantage by false pretences contrary to Section 309 A (2) c of the Penal Code as read together with Section 41 of the ACC Act Number 42 of 1996.

It is alleged that Masumba on dates unknown, but between December 2005 and August 2008 in Lusaka did dishonestly obtain employment for himself as an accounts clerk at the Lusaka Business Technical College (LBTC) by falsely pretending that he held qualifications of Accounting Technician when in fact not.

Earlier magistrates Muma told the  ACC which is prosecuting Masumba to put its house in order, saying there was gross disorder as the Commission.

“Why do you come late for your case?” asked Magistrate Muma.

But State Prosecutor Macqueen Zaza told the court that the ACC prosecutor who was handling the case was indisposed and that he (Zaza) was there to represent him.

Mr Muma then directed Mr Zaza to convey the message to his colleague that “you are perceived that you are not in order at all”.