Ecobank K10m theft case fails to start
By CHINTU MALAMBO
THE case involving 11 suspects alleged to have stolen over K10 million from Ecobank on Tuesday failed to take off in the Lu- saka High Court.
The case failed to start because the state and defence lawyers were still trying to agree on an alternative cause of action.
Last week, state prosecutors sought leave to engage in an alternative cause of action before High Court Judge Mwamba Chanda.
When the matter came up for possible trial, state prosecutors told the court that they were still negotiating on possibilities for an alternative cause of action and thus asked for an adjournment. Justice Chanda adjournment the matter to February 21st 2018.
This is a case in which the 11 suspects namely, Yotam Banda (alias Amos Mwale), Cashias Machina, Adolf Machina, Raymond Kalenga (businessmen), John Mwape (unemployed), Change Mwanga, Walusungu Soko (security guards), John Siame (driver), Pethias Ngosa, Collins Simfukwe and Crispin Kabanga (controllers) are charged with aggravated robbery contrary to the Laws of Zambia.
It is alleged that on April 2nd last year in Lusaka, Banda and others jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown and whilst armed with a firearm stole K7,580,049.90 and US$159,435.00 and 50 British Pounds totaling K10,161, 779.70 from Ecobank.
The group is also alleged to have used actual violence against Betty Phiri to prevent or overcome resistance from stealing the money.