By LUCY PHIRI
THE Economic and Financial Crimes Court has found Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba with a case to answer in a matter he is facing 24 counts of conflict of interest, money laundering and being in possession of property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime.
Magistrate Sandford Ngobola in his ruling yesterday said the court had analysed the evidence adduced by prosecution and also considered defense’s submission and had found prima facie case against Mwamba.
In this matter, Mwamba pleaded not guilty to eight counts of conflict of interest, one count of money laundering and 15 counts of being in possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime.
Magistrate Ngobola also ruled that the evidence of all the 22 prosecution witness proved beyond reasonable doubt that Mwamba had committed money laundering and being in possession of properties reasonable suspected to be proceeds of crime.
“I have analysed the evidence adduced by prosecution and also considered defense’s submission and I have find a prima facie case against the accused for the offence of conflict of interest, money laundering charge and being in possession of property suspected to proceeds of crime,” Magistrate Ngobola ruled.
However, the defense team said they were ready for defense and their client would give sworn evidence.
Earlier, one of the witnesses, an investigative officer at the Anti-corruption commission (ACC ) Masautso Mwale testified before the court that he established that Curzon Global Limited transferred U$399,985 to Mwamba, the former Defence Minister through Arizona Marketing and distributors.
The court has set March 1, 2 and 3, 2023 for commencement of defense.
