Court relocates to view properties

THE Lusaka Magistrate Court on Tuesday moved to five different locations to inspect and view some properties in a matter in which a Lusaka couple is charged with seven counts of possession of properties suspected to be proceeds of crime.

Lusaka Principal Magistrate, Sylvia Munyinya moved to Ibex Hill, New Kasama, Chalala and Lilayi areas to view the properties worth K7 million, which Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Warrant Officer Class One (1), Albert Siyunda and his wife, Nandina Lyatamani are alleged to be in possession.

The couple pleaded not guilty to seven counts of possession of property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime and concealment of the said property.

It is alleged that Siyunda between January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021, in Lusaka, possessed six residential houses, which were concealed and registered in Lyatamani ’s name and one residential house in his own name.

Investigations into the matter revealed that Siyunda engaged a construction company to construct some of the houses for him while other houses were bought with cash.

Further allegations are that two of the properties are located in New Kasama worth about K3million, a block of two flats in Mutendere-East worth about K1,200,000, a house in Chalala area worth about K500,000, a house in Lilayi worth about K670,000, a house in Mutendere-East worth about K600,000, and another house in Ibex worth about K1,550,000.

When the matter came up for continued trial on Tuesday, the court moved to different sites.

And an Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigations officer, Clara Chibuye told the court that plot No 1337/m/cL/9 in Ibex Hill was restricted by the ACC and there is a restriction notice on the property.

“The property is currently occupied and is registered in the name of Nandina Lyatamani, the second accused person,” she said.

Trial in the matter continues on July 19, 2023.