….as Wife Convicted Over Inherited Properties…..
Kampyongo Acquitted
….as Wife Convicted Over Inherited Properties…..
LUSAKA, 27th SEPTEMBER 2024
The Lusaka Magistrates’ Court has acquitted former Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo of all five corruption charges, while convicting his wife, Wanziya Chirwa Kampyongo, on charges related to properties acquired through the sale of inherited family assets.
The ruling highlighted significant flaws in the state’s investigation, particularly regarding the credibility of witness testimonies and the quality of evidence presented.
Key prosecution witnesses, including arresting officer Zongiwe Band and Florence Bwalya, gave inconsistent and incoherent testimony, which the court found insufficient to support the prosecution’s claims. Magistrate Silvia Munyinya noted that the testimonies lacked critical details necessary to prove Stephen Kampyongo’s involvement in corrupt activities.
According to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the case was initially pursued following an anonymous tip that Kampyongo was in possession of flats allegedly built by AVIC International during his tenure as minister. However, Magistrate Munyinya observed that despite these allegations, the investigators failed to present concrete evidence linking him to AVIC or any corrupt dealings. The court determined that key investigative steps were missed, and no substantial documentation was provided, leading to Hon. Kampyongo’s acquittal.
While the Shiwang’andu lawmaker was cleared of all charges, his wife, Wanziya Kampyongo, was convicted on four counts related to two properties acquired after the sale of inherited properties and her father’s commercial properties in Kamwala and Libala.
The defense presented a deed of gift for one of the properties and a detailed account from the Chirwa family administrator regarding the sale and distribution of the funds among the siblings, as well as an explanation of financial support Mrs. Kampyongo received from her husband’s earnings to assist in her building ventures.
The case has sparked widespread debate over the legal responsibilities of spouses in financial matters. Some have humorously suggested that Zambian husbands may now need to issue formal receipts for any financial support they provide to their wives to avoid future legal complications. One social media user quipped, “Honey, here’s K2,000 for groceries, but don’t forget to sign this receipt, just in case the state asks for proof one day!”