By IRVIN MUYUMBWA
FORMER Defence Minister Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba has been arrested and charged for eight counts of conflict of interest and one count of money laundering involving US$632, 000.
Mr Mwamba, 63, has also been charged and arrested for 15 counts of being in possession of property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime involving US$2, 149, 170 and K20 million.
Police Deputy Spokesperson Danny Mwale explained that while serving as Minister of Defence between 2012 and 2013, Mr Mwamba failed to disclose his interest in writing on three Zambia Army contracts and five Zambia Air Force contracts that were awarded to Curzon Global Limited by the Ministry of Defence when he was alleged to have interest.
“Mr. Mwamba has also been charged and arrested for one count of money laundering contrary to section Seven of Prohibition and Prevention of Money Laundering Act number 14 of 2001 as read with Amendment Act number 44 of 2010,” he said.
Mr Mwale says in the matter involving being in possession of property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime, police have charged and arrested Mr Adolphus Mubanga, aged 58 of Makeni for three counts of the case involving K5, 555, 954 and both are in custody awaiting court appearance tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Patriotic Front PF acting Secretary General Nickson Chilangwa wonders why police have taken interest in a matter that occurred in 2012 even before Mr Mwamba became UPND Vice President.
Mr Chilangwa says the manner in which these arrests are being carried out will be perceived to be persecution as the pattern shows that suspected cases of corruption involving UPND officials are not being followed up.
Earlier, PF acting President Given Lubinda was denied entry into the police premises when he attempted to offer solidarity to Mr Mwamba who was being questioned.
Mr Lubinda has charged that Zambia is turning into a police state as seen from the heavy police presence at Woodlands Police Station.
Mr Mwamba early yesterday presented himself at the Ministry of Home Affairs for questioning by the joint investigation team.
An hour later, Mr Mwamba was driven to Woodlands Police Station where he was formally charged and arrested.
Attempts to secure bond failed as police indicated that he would appear in court today.
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