ACC breaks into former Minister Lusambo’s residence following bench warrant

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has confirmed reports that it broke into the residence of former Lusaka Province Minister, Bowman Lusambo, in Chamba Valley.

Timothy Moono, ACC Head of Corporate Communications, stated that the action was taken to present Lusambo before the court as ordered by the Lusaka Magistrate Court.

Moono, in a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday, said the break-in followed the issuance of a Bench Warrant by Lusaka Magistrate Faides Hamaundu.

The warrant was issued to apprehend Lusambo after he failed to appear in court on June 12, 2024.

Moono highlighted that both Lusambo and his lawyers were present in court during the last session on May 13, 2024, when the matter was adjourned to June 12, 2024, and were therefore aware of the trial date.

“ACC officers proceeded to Lusambo’s residence yesterday in Chamba Valley to execute the Bench Warrant and found security officers, whom they informed of the Search Warrant and Bench Warrant issued by the court against Lusambo,” Moono said.

He added that the security officers refused to recognise the court documents and cooperate with the officers, opting instead to lock the gate and walk away.

Moono explained that the ACC officers had no choice but to break in to gain access to Lusambo’s residence due to the obstruction by the security officers.

“Unfortunately, the officers did not find Lusambo at his residence. However, Lusambo later made a video call to the officers, stating that he was not at his residence and claimed to be in Livingstone,” Moono stated.

Moono also mentioned that the State had repeatedly brought witnesses to testify in the case where Lusambo was charged with possessing properties suspected to be proceeds of crime, but the matter had faced numerous adjournments due to his absence in court.

“This prompted the Commission to apply for a Bench Warrant and a Search Warrant to find the accused and bring him before the court to avoid further adjournments,” he added.

The Lusaka Magistrate Court has since set June 18, 2024, for the continuation of the trial.

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