Former Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Sturdy Mwale, businessman Clever Mpoha and Eagle Trading International Limited have pleaded not guilty to corruption related allegations.
It is alleged that between March 1, 2017 and October 31, 2018, Mwale, being a public officer, namely Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary, corruptly received US$200, 000 cash gratification from Eagle Trading International Limited.
The money, allegedly a reward for having facilitated the payment of management fees ,and premium to Africa Security Academy emanating from a contract for the supply of uniforms to the Zambia National Service, a matter or transaction concerning the Ministry of Defence, a public body.
In count two, it is alleged that between the same dates, Mr Mpoha and Eagle Trading International Limited corruptly gave US$200,000 cash gratification to Mr Mwale.
The money was allegedly a reward for having facilitated the payment of management fees and premium to Africa Security Academy emanating from a contract for the supply of uniforms to the Zambia National Service, a matter or transaction concerning the Ministry of Defence, a public body.
When the case came up before magistrate Silvia Munyinya, Anti-Corruption Commission senior prosecutions officer Daniel Ngwira applied to have the indictment amendment.
The defence did not object to the application but were concerned with the State’s tendency to ambush the defence whom they did not initially show the amended indictment.
The court granted the plea to have the indictment amended to enable the prosecution team to include Eagle Trading International Limited as the third accused person.
Following the amendment, the accused took fresh plea and the case was adjourned to December 12 and 16 for trial.
