By LUCY PHIRI
A PASTOR of a named church in Lusaka has been dragged to court on five counts of obtaining money by false pretence from church members by pretending that he would provide free scholarships to study in Russia.
David Katuta, 37, of Libala South was appearing in the magistrate court before magistrate Judith Chiyayika in a matter in which he was accused of obtaining money by false pretenses contrary to section 309 of the penal code chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.
Particulars of the offence is that, David Katuta on unknown dates but between February 2020 in Lusaka with intent to deceive or defraud did obtain k6,540 cash from Deborah Mwenjeleke by falsely pretending that he would provide free scholarships to study in Russia when in fact not.
In count two, Katuta in February 2020 allegedly obtained K20,660.00 from Isaac Mumba by falsely pretending that he would provide free scholarships to study in Russia when in fact not.
In count three, In November 2020 jointly and whilst acting together with others unknown did obtain k28, 000.00 from Mutaja Mtonga.
In the fourth and fifth counts, Katuta jointly whilst acting together between August and November 2020 did obtain K19,500.00 from Andphart Zulu and K7,500.00 from Gilbert Mumbula by falsely pretending that he would provide free scholarships to study in Russia when in fact not.
It is alleged that on July 30 2021, Mwansa Chibuye a police officer reported for her normal duties and was allocated a docket of obtaining money by force pretense by Deborah Mwambula, and after interviewing the complainant she said she knew the man in question as a junior pastor at her church.
She further said that Mwambula told her that the pastor told the church members that he had connections and that he could help people to study in Russia and that’s how she got interested and told her father about it.
She said after all the arrangements, she met Katuta at Kulima Tower and gave him the amount of k6, 540.00. She was then introduced by Mrs. Banda and that’s how she met with other guys who also wanted bursaries in Russia and they formed a WhatsApp group for easy communication.
The police officer further elaborated that she called the other students and interviewed them and said they gave Pastor Katuta different amounts of money.
The victims said they trusted him because he seemed genuine and could fellowship together.
They said Mr Katuta together with his colleague, a woman only identified as Mrs Banda who is currently on the run lied to them by assuring that everything would be okay when in fact not.
The money given was for Visa, medical checkups, laptops, accommodations and police clearance otherwise the scholarships were free, they said.
The matter is coming up for defence
