Chilufya case fails to take off

THE case in which Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya is charged with four counts of corruption yesterday failed to take off, after scores of defiant PF cadres thronged the Lusaka Magistrate court premises to offer him solidarity.

Dr Chilufya, 47, was found in possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime.

In the first count, Dr Chilufya is charged with being found with 6, 000 shares in Samfya Marines and Tourism Services amounting to US$200, 000.

In the second count, it is alleged that Dr Chilufya had in his possession 2, 000 shares of the same company valued at K270, 000.

In the third count, the accused was found with K3 million which was used to buy Lot number 365/366 also known as Spark Guest House in Mansa.

And in the last count, Dr Chilufya is alleged to have had US$52, 000 which was used to buy a passenger boat.

All this is said to have happened between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2019.

Cadres led by PF Lusaka Province secretary Kennedy Kamba, and five traditional leaders were there to offer solidarity.

These were Chief Kalasa Mukosa, Chief Lukangaba, Chief Kalaba, Chief Mabenge and Chief Mabumba of the Ushi people of Luapula Province.

Dr Chilufya who is being represented by lawyers, Jonas Zimba of Makebi Zulu and Tutwa Ngulube.

He was arrested following investigations by the Anti-Corruption Commission.

As Dr Chilufya was ushered in court number three, a horde of cadres, some claiming to be related to him, also demanded to enter the courtroom but were kept at bay by a police officer who stood his ground.

“Teti mutukanye ukwingila mu court, all these people you see here are party officials and relatives to ba Doctor,” some cadres were heard telling the officers.

The matter has since been adjourned to July 16, 2020 for possible plea.

If convicted, Dr Chilufya could face up to five years in prison.