DEC officer has case to answer

A DRUG Enforcement Commission (DEC) officer has been placed on his defence after a Livingstone magistrate’s court found him with a case to answer on allegations that he obtained a bribe.

In this matter, Andrew Pikiti, an assistant investigations officer is facing two counts of corrupt practices.

It is alleged that on October 22, 2015, Pikiti received K500 which was deposited into his bank account from Joseph Moyo as an inducement for him to interfere with DEC money laundering investigations.

In the second count, it is also alleged on that on

October 23, 2015, Pikiti did receive K1,000 from Mr Moyo when he went to his house.

Pikiti denied both charges which prompted the prosecution to proceed with trial.

Delivering a ruling senior on whether Pikiti had a case to answer or not, Resident Magistrate William Banda said after examining the evidence before him, he was satisfied that a prima facie case had been established.

The magistrate said he would therefore place the accused person on his defence.

Pikiti’s lawyer Adinas Banda from Legal Services Unit informed the court that her client would give evidence on oath.

Ms Banda said the accused person would be calling five witnesses in the matter.

She has applied that the matter be adjourned so that she could prepare the five witnesses.

And the matter has been adjourned to April 1, this year while Pikiti’s police bond has been extended.