48 houses: ACC sues 4 tenants over rentals

THE Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has sued four tenants of the famous 48 houses demanding payment of more than K200, 000 rental arrears.

Thus, ACC wants the Lusaka High court to grant it an order to issue warrant of distress upon the goods on each of the quartet to recover the rental arrears.

According to originating summons, the ACC wants the court to order Changu Mukakanga, Harriet Chiyaba, Shanda Banda and Paul Wilombe who are first to fourth respondents respectively to pay it the rent due as at April 30, 2021 and up to the determination of the case.

It seeks an order for vacant possession of the properties (flats) known as plot no. A337/29897/M,

A397/19897/M and A349/19897/M in Chalala.

It is also demanding interest at the current bank rate on the rent found due.

ACC investigation officer Robert Siwale stated that the properties in which the four are residing were forfeited to the state by operation of the law pursuant to gazette notice no. 667 of 2018 issued under the provisions of the ACC (disposal of Recovered Property) Regulations of 2004.

Mr Siwale stated that after the forfeiture of the said properties, ACC’s officers verbally informed all the tenants including the four that the properties they were occupying as tenants were now vested in the state, hence rent should be paid to the applicant effective from the date of forfeiture.

However, despite several written demands and reminders for payment of rental arrears accrued, the four have neglected to pay the respondent which yielded no results and proved to be futile.

Therefore, Mukakanga, Chiyaba , Banda and Wilombe owe in total K248,850.

“The first respondent’s total rent payable is K67,600 (K2600 per month x26 months ) and has only paid K5200. Thus, rental arrears to be paid K64,400. Second respondent’s total rent payable is K67 , 600 and has only paid K9,200. Thus, rental arrears to be paid K58,400,” he said.

“Third respondent’s total rent payable is K104,000 (K4000x26 months) and has only paid K32,000. Thus , rental arrears to be paid K72,000.

“The fourth respondent’s total rent payable is K72,800 ( K2800x26months) and has only paid K18,750 .Thus , rental arrears to be paid is K54,050,” he added.