Ex-Tourism Minister, Chitotela’s appeal rejected by Economic and Financial Crimes Court

The Economic and Financial Crimes Court has dismissed former Tourism Minister Ronald Chitotela’s application for leave to appeal against its decision to proceed with the execution of a K6.5 million judgment debt owed to a construction company.

The court, in an ex-tempore ruling, declined to grant Chitotela leave to appeal, stating that his intended grounds for appeal had no realistic prospects of success.

The three-member panel, consisting of Pixie Yangailo, Ian Mabbolobbolo, and Vincent Siloka, concluded:

“It is our considered view that the said intended grounds of appeal do not reveal any realistic prospects of succeeding, in view of the authorities cited above and reasoning in the impugned ruling.

“Further, we do not find any other compelling reasons for leave to be granted,” read the ruling.

This decision allows Azadi Investment Limited, the company Chitotela contracted to build his residential house in Chongwe district at a cost of K9.5 million, to enforce the judgment to recover the outstanding balance.

According to a writ of Fifa obtained last month, Azadi Investment Limited intends, through the Sheriffs of Zambia, to seize Chitotela’s goods and chattels to recover the K5.9 million balance.

Chitotela had contested the execution of the judgment, arguing that Azadi Investment Limited failed to account for the value of three motor vehicles and cash payments totaling K900,000 made towards the debt. The vehicles—a Range Rover Vogue, a Range Rover Sport, and a Mazda BT-50—were collectively valued at US$150,000.

He stated that the application, filed in 2023, only came to light on April 30, 2024, claiming he was prejudiced and deprived of a fair opportunity to state his case.

He further complained about the writ of Fifa, which signaled Azadi Investment Limited’s intent to enforce the initial judgment, detrimental to his finances.

However, the court’s ruling on May 3, 2024, found his applications lacking in substance and failing to demonstrate irreparable loss or compelling reasons for a stay order.

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