MUNIR DESTROYED MY REPUTATION - RDA BOSS

ROAD Development Agency (RDA) Board Chairperson Mulchand Kuntawala has told the Lusaka Magistrates Court that Munir Zulu’s allegations that he transferred US$150, 000 to Infrastructure and Urban Development Minister Charles Milupi damaged his reputation which he had built for over 40 years.

Mr Kuntawala denied sending the money to Mr. Milupi as alleged by Lumezi Member of Parliament, Zulu.

Mr Kuntawala was testifying in a matter in which Zulu pleaded not guilty to three counts of libel contrary to section 191 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

Allegations are that Zulu issued defamatory remarks against Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane, Mr Milupi and Mr Kuntawala. It is alleged in count one that Zulu on March 21, 2023 in Lusaka, with intent to defame, unlawfully did publish defamatory matters against Dr. Musokotwane by way of a press conference in which he alleged that Dr Musokotwane corruptly received money amounting to $250, 000 through a bank transfer from an unknown company.

In count two, it is alleged that on March 21, 2023 in Lusaka, with intent to defame, unlawfully did publish defamatory matters against Mr Milupi by way of a press conference in which he alleged that Mr Milupi corruptly received money amounting to $250, 000 through a bank transfer from an unknown company.

It is alleged in the last count that Zulu on March 21, 2023 in Lusaka, with intent to defame, unlawfully did publish defamatory matters against Mr Kuntawala by way of a press conference in which you alleged that Mr Kuntawala corruptly sent money amounting to $150, 000 to Mr. Milupi two days before the appointment as a board chairman for the Road Development Agency.

And during cross examination when asked by defence lawyer, Nkula Botha if he had sued Zulu in any courts of law for defamation for the alleged remarks, Mr Kuntawala said he never reported.

The court adjourned the matter to March 25 for continuation of trial.