Kelvin Sampa denies stealing money

By LUCY PHIRI

KELVIN Mutale Sampa, a senior UPND official has pleaded not guilty to theft by agent and illegal possession of forged bank notes contrary to the laws of Zambia.
Sampa appeared at the Lusaka Magistrate Court before Senior Resident Magistrate Irene Wishimanga and denied all the charges.
Sampa, 52, of Meanwood in Lusaka is charged with four counts of theft by agent contrary to section 280(b) of the Penal Code chapter 87, Illegal possession of forged bank notes contrary to section 358.
Sampa is also charged with possession of paper or implements for forgery contrary to section 351(a) of the Penal Code chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.
It is alleged in count one that Sampa on an unknown date but between July 27, 2024 and September 30, 2024 in Lusaka with other persons unknown, being a person entrusted with $70, 000 cash by Kinihiro Fugishima to buy gold on his behalf stole the said money, the property of Fugishima.
In count two, Sampa stole $80, 000 cash by Satoshi Sakamoto to buy gold on his behalf and stole the same money
Allegations in count three are that on October 9, 2024 in Lusaka Sampa had in his possession 110 pieces of forged $100 bank notes knowing the same to be forged.
In the last count, Sampa on October 9, 2024 in Lusaka knowingly had in his custody or possession 7, 622 pieces of light green paper intended to resemble and pass as special paper the size of the United States of America one hundred dollar ($100) bill.
The court has since adjourned the matter to January 13, 2025 for commencement of trial.