By Jane Chanda
Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has forfeited properties worth over K21 million belonging to Faith Musonda, following a ruling by the Economic and Financial Crimes Court.
High Court Judge S.M. Wanjelani, sitting together with Judges I.M. Mabbolobbolo and S.V. Siloka, delivered the judgment, which ordered the forfeiture of Musonda’s properties.
In a statement by the ACC today, head of corporate communications Timothy Moono stated that the properties in question, which were suspected to be proceeds of crime, included a diverse range of assets.
“These comprised US$144,500.00 paid towards the purchase of a house in Kingsland City, a farm in Chisamba valued at K6.4 million, a plot in Ibex Hill area worth K3.5 million, Government Bonds worth K3,140,000.00, Treasury Bills amounting to K1,100,000.00, and a sum of K1,219,110.00 held with Madison Finance Limited in a Fixed Term Deposit facility, assorted jewels valued between US$3,450 and US$4,300 were also part of the forfeited properties,” he stated.
Moono stated that the farming implements valued at US$54,844.00, including a Tafe Tractor 7515, a Plough Disc, a Harrow Disc, a Planter, a Boom Sprayer, and a 5-tonne Trailer, were also forfeited.
He explained that Musonda failed to disclose her possession of these properties in an agreement entered into with the ACC under Section 80 of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012.
“Musonda was previously found in possession of K65 million Kwacha, US$57,900, and a house in New Kasama worth over K6 million suspected to be proceeds of crime, which were subsequently forfeited to the state,” stated Moono.
He added that ACC made an application for a Non-Conviction-Based Forfeiture Order before the Economic and Financial Crimes Court, which was granted yesterday.
“The Court ruled that once the Applicant has proved a factual basis for having suspicion that the property is reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime, the evidential burden shifts to the person claiming an interest to prove their claim with evidence,” Moono stated.
Moono further stated that the ACC would ensure that individuals who deliberately ignored the provisions of Section 80 of the Anti-Corruption Act were pursued, and any properties deemed to have been illicitly acquired would be traced, recovered, and forfeited to the state.
“The Commission will not relent in its efforts to recover proceeds of crime, and individuals found wanting will be prosecuted in the courts of law,” he stated.
Moono stated that the commission would continue to pursue individuals who abused their positions of power to acquire wealth at the expense of the Zambian people, and also ensure that justice was served.
He also explained that the ACC’s efforts to recover proceeds of crime demonstrate the Commission’s commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring that those who engage in corrupt activities were held accountable.
