Herbalist denies receiving US400, 000 in Esther case
A HERBALIST has denied assertions that former President Edgar Lungu’s niece, Catherine Banda gave her US$400,000 the money she used to buy a house in Libala and a Mitsubishi Canter.
Ms. Elizabeth Phiri, 53, denied receiving the US$400,000 stating that she bought the house using the money and bought the canter using her own money and not the alleged money Banda said she gave her.
Ms. Phiri, told the Lusaka Magistrate court that she had her own money even before she met Banda and through her works as herbalist, she bought a canter and other things.
When defense lawyer, Charles Changano asked if she took the
US$400,000 from Banda and gave it to her grandfather chief Monokalia Mukuni of the Toka Leya people of Livingstone who later gifted her a K1.5million to buy a house? Ms Phiri said Chief Mukuni has his own money.
Mr. Changano further asked if she knew of the dollars which was found behind her television set. She responded in the negative.
In this matter, Esther is facing three counts of theft of Motor vehicle and theft of certificate of title Contrary to Section 281A of the Penal Code Chapter 87 and one count of theft Contrary to Section 272 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.
Esther, 66, is jointly charged with James Phiri, 49, a police officer, Lee Chisulo, 31, also a police officer, Kapembwa Lungu and Catherine Banda all are residents of Lusaka.
In count one, it is alleged that Esther, Phiri, Chisulo, Lungu and Banda on unknown dates but between August 9, 2021 and September, 30 2022 in Lusaka, jointly and whilst acting together, stole a motor vehicle namely a Mitsubishi Canter Registration number BAV 5282 valued at K320,000.00 the property of Elizabeth Change Phiri.
In count two and three, it is alleged that all accused persons on unknown dates but between August 9, 2021 and September 30 2022 in Lusaka jointly and whilst acting together, stole a motor vehicle, namely a Toyota Runnex Registration number BLA 9772 valued at K110,000.00 and Toyota Allex Registration number BAV 3986 valued at K 110,000.00 the property of Furhana Patel.