Chief Nkana denies owing Lusambo $105,000, labels claims a misplaced gesture of goodwill

Chief Nkana has denied claims by former Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo that he owed him US$105,000, describing the demand as an attempt to twist a personal plea for help into a business obligation.

In a defence filed before the Lusaka High Court’s Commercial Division, Chief Nkana—Godfrey Shamanena, traditional leader of the Lamba people of Lufwanyama District—argued that Lusambo’s claim lacked legal merit and stemmed from a goodwill gesture, not a contractual agreement.

The documents, filed through Messrs Kayula & Associates, state that Lusambo played no role in the sale or investment processes of Bisma Mining Limited, and held no directorship or shareholding in the company.

“The plaintiff never invested any resources nor facilitated any negotiations relating to the sale of Bisma Mining. The promise of US$105,000 was merely a gratuitous act following the plaintiff’s request for financial assistance. There was no consideration furnished by the plaintiff,” the defence reads.

Chief Nkana clarified that the US$165,000 received after the sale of Bisma Mining was distributed proportionally among shareholders, and he was not the sole recipient of the proceeds.

He stressed that the sale was strictly between Bisma Mining Limited and Pridegems Mines Limited, and that he was not personally party to the agreement.

The defence further argued that Grizzly Mining Limited, which had been referenced in prior communications, had no authority to act on Lusambo’s behalf, particularly since the former minister had no legal or financial interest in the transaction.

Labeling the lawsuit as misdirected, Chief Nkana insisted Lusambo failed to establish a legal basis for his claims and urged the Court to lift the injunction currently in force against him.

“The defendant is not obligated to the plaintiff in any way or at all. The plaintiff is not entitled to any reliefs as claimed in the statement of claim,” the defence stated.

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