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The Lusaka Magistrates’ Court has heard that former Kabushi Member of Parliament, Bowman Lusambo, was paid approximately US$70,000 for installing and upgrading an entertainment system at a News Cafe outlet.
This emerged through a defence witness in a matter where Lusambo is facing charges related to the acquisition of property, including a residential house in Chamba Valley, allegedly using proceeds of crime.
Testifying before Chief Resident Magistrate, Davies Chibwili, Chongwe-based businessman Joseph Chilinda said he engaged Lusambo in 2012 for the installation of a high-end audio-visual system at a News Cafe franchise.
Chilinda, 48, of Meanwood Crescent in Ibex, told the court he was referred to Lusambo by a mutual acquaintance in Ndola during preparations for the outlet’s launch.
“The brand required a top-tier entertainment system, and I was referred to the accused as someone capable of delivering such installations,” he said.
Chilinda explained that Lusambo provided a quotation and they agreed on a price of K350 million at the time—equivalent to K350,000 after the 2013 currency rebasing. He said the installation was successfully completed and fully paid for, though most payments were made after the restaurant opened and in cash.
He added that Lusambo continued to provide maintenance and upgrades, with additional costs of about K50,000.
“Some of the payments were made in dollars, and we estimate the total to be around US$70,000,” Chilinda said.
Under cross-examination by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) senior prosecutor Daniel Ngwira, Chilinda admitted the agreement was verbal and that he did not bring any quotation documents to court.
He further said Lusambo operated in his personal capacity, not through a registered company.
“You mentioned a quotation. Did you bring it to court?” Ngwira asked.
“No,” Chilinda replied.
When asked whether receipts were issued, Chilinda responded: “The accused was supposed to issue them. No, I did not issue any.”
A second defence witness, Michael Njobvu, 51, a Business Performance Analyst at Mkuru International Money Transfer, testified about Lusambo’s work history at GTV, a satellite television network that operated in Zambia from 2007 to 2009.
Njobvu told the court that he and Lusambo worked together in the sales department, and that Lusambo had been one of the top-performing direct sales agents during the company’s promotional campaigns.
“On a good day, the team could sell over 500 units, especially during the festive season,” Njobvu said, noting that commissions ranged from US$10 to US$19 per unit.
However, during cross-examination, Njobvu admitted he was not part of the Human Resources department, did not process payments, and could not confirm Lusambo’s earnings or whether payments were made via bank transfer.
“You therefore cannot state with certainty how much the accused earned in commissions?” Ngwira asked.
“No,” Njobvu responded.
At the close of proceedings, Lusambo’s defence team, led by Charles Changano, requested an adjournment to the previously scheduled date of Friday, May 9, indicating they plan to call four more witnesses.
“Our client has suffered a lot in the cells. It is our wish to conclude this matter and secure his freedom,” Changano said.
The trial continues.
Lusambo is currently serving a four-year sentence for a separate corruption case at Mwembeshi Maximum Prison.
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