By Esther Chisola
The Lusaka Magistrates’ Court has found former Foreign Affairs minister Joseph Malanji and former secretary to the treasury Fredson Yamaba with a case to answer in a matter they are facing corruption charges.
Malanji is jointly charged with Yamba with 10 counts of possession of property reasonably suspected as proceeds of crime.
In this matter, Yamba is accused of having failed to follow procedure in relation to the buying of an estate in Turkey, while Malanji is accused of being in possession of a hotel and helicopters, property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime.
The former Secretary to Treasury is charged with two counts of willful failure to comply with applicable law while Malanji is charged with eight counts of being in possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime.
When the matter came up for ruling on a case to answer, magistrate Irene Wishimanga ruled that the state had proved their case against the two accused persons.
“After having called 33 witnesses, I’m satisfied that the state has proved its case. I’m also satisfied that a prima facie case has been established. That being said, I therefore, place the two accused persons on their defence,” ruled the court.
And Malanji’s lawyer Botha Nkula told the court that his client would call 20 witnesses.
It is alleged in the first count that Yamba, on dates unknown, but between January 1, 2020 and August 31, 2021 in Lusaka, being Secretary to the Treasury, jointly and whilst acting together with other persons’ unknown allocated and authorised the transfer of K108,401,197.00 to the Zambian Mission Account in Turkey for the procurement of real estate without following the law.
In count three to 10, Malanji allegedly possessed a Bell 430 Helicopter, a Bell 206 JET RANGER Helicopter and Gibson Royal Hotel, properties suspected of being proceeds of crime.
The matter comes up on January 14, 2025 for opening of defence.
