2 Chinese deny stealing
TWO Chinese businessmen of Lusaka yesterday denied stealing over K17,000 and illegally accessing data stored in a critical database at Zanaco Bank.
Appearing before Lusaka magistrate Mwaka Mikalile Li Hong Sheng, 29, and Weng Jin Chang, 36, both of Lusaka’s Olympia Park, denied the charges.
However, Li Hong admitted unlawfully staying in Zambia without a permit and will appear on July 22 for reading of facts and sentencing.
In the first count they are charged with unlawful possession of devices designed to overcome security measures for protection of data.
It is alleged that between May 1 and July 10, 2019 in Lusaka, Li and Weng had automated transmission cards (ATM) which were primarily designed to overcome security measures for the protection of data.
In the second count, they are charged with unauthorised access to data.
They are alleged to have
intentionally accessed data stored in a critical data base, namely Zambia National Commercial Bank data base on the same dates.
In the third count, Li and Weng are charged with theft.
On the same dates, they allegedly stole K17, 500 from Zanaco Bank.
Li is also charged with unlawful stay in Zambia. It is alleged that on May 8, 2019, he remained in Zambia without an immigration permit or authority.
Weng, through his lawyer Mutembo Mutembo, applied for bail pending trial. He said he was willing to provide credible sureties to secure his appearance when required and obey bail conditions.
At this point deputy state advocate Gamaliel Zimba informed the court that he was not objecting but prayed that the conditions should make it impossible for Weng to elude court.
Magistrate Mikalile granted him bail of K20,000 cash and ordered him to provide three working sureties bound to a sum of K100,000.
The court also ordered Weng to submit documents of his business, passport and lease agreement showing proof of residence.
The matter will come up on August 12, 2019 for trial for the first three counts. Both are in custody and will remanded until they meet bail conditions.