MWIINGA, WIFE, SON ACCUMULATED 40 VEHICLES, AVOIDED VAT, COURT HEARS

THE Lusaka magistrate court has heard how Hibeene Mwiinga, his wife and son possessed over 40 vehicles and had three of their companies not registered for value added tax.

This is a matter in which Mwiinga, his wife, son and company pleaded not guilty to 72 counts of being in possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime valued at more than K41 million and more than US$238, 900 cash.

Mwiinga, 60, of Mwembeshi area in Lusaka is charged with his son Hakaantu Mwiinga aged 33 and wife Mercy Mwenda aged 56 for being in possession of properties reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime contrary to Section 71 of the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act No. 19 of 2010 of the Laws of Zambia.

Mwiinga, Mwenda, son and the representative of Hichikey Farm Limited Company all denied the 72 charges.

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigations officer, Paul Hatakwati told senior resident magistrate, Irene Wishimanga that Hibeene and his wife owned about 11 vehicles, his son had nine while his farm, Hichikey Farm Limited Company had 27 vehicles under their names.

“Accused number one, Hibeene had vehicles among others a Mercedes Benz whose total value was k70, 677.00, a Jeep of K79, 495.50, Faw track K262, 925.26, Hino Ranger K29, 549.60 and a Trailer of K12, 082.79,’’ he said. Mr. Hatakwati said he further in his investigations at the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) established that Hibeene, his wife and son owned other properties and were shareholders.

Allegations are that Mwiinga acquired properties including a house in Kingsland City, which he purchased for cash at U$600,000 and five houses in Silverest Gardens all valued at over K4.3million, known to be proceeds of crime.

Trial continues on March 15, 2024