By Joseph Mwenda and Moses Kuwema
Tue 16 Apr. 2013, 14:01 CAT
RUPIAH Banda says members of his family whom he helped when he was president are now putting him in trouble.
And the Government Joint Investigations Team (GJIT) yesterday arrested and charged former president Banda in connection with the concealment of gratification involving nine light trucks valued at K471 million.
Sources close to the former president disclosed yesterday that Banda generally complained over what was currently happening to him.
The sources said Banda was surprised with the new charge slapped on him and expressed disappointment.
"Our big man is surprised on what today's case is all about. He is complaining that members of his family that he had helped when he was president were now putting him in trouble,'' said the sources.
After his arrest and subsequent release, Banda did not talk to his supporters who were at the DEC offices.
When leaving the DEC offices, Banda did not get out of his vehicle to address reporters and his supporters as he has often done in the past.
One of Banda's sympathisers, Brebner Changala, tried to speak to him but he only greeted him through the window, saying he was going home, after which he rolled up his window and was driven off.
And GJIT spokesperson Namukolo Kasumpa told journalists at the commission that the concealing of gratification was contrary to Section 36 of the Anti-Corruption Act No 38 of 2010.
"Particulars of the offence are that Mr Banda, on dates unknown but between January 1, 2011 and August 30, 2011 received nine motor vehicles all valued at K471 million, which property was obtained as gratification from Sogecao Zambia Ltd, a subsidiary of Anui Foreign Economic Construction Company. The company was contracted to construct the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, and Mr Banda concealed the receipt of the said motor vehicles by having them registered in the names of other people connected to him," she said.
Kasumpa said the charge was in connection with the investigations on MMD campaign materials.
Kasumpa, however, said Banda had been released on police bond in his own recognisance and a sum of KR500, 000 and two working sureties.
She said Banda would appear in court on Tuesday, April 30.
Labels: CORRUPTION, GJIT, RUPIAH BANDA
posted by MrK @ 5:51 PM
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