Developing Story: Court hears how Lungu’s economic advisor, Mwiinga, got over K400,000 as benefits

Benefits Officer at Public Service Pension Fund Board has told the Economic and Financial crimes court that former Economic advisor to President Edger Lungu, Hibeene Mwiinga, got more than K400,000 as his total benefits.

Dillon Mungawa testified before magistrate, Irene Wishimanga, that Mwiinga was given a total of K497,077.55 as his benefits and is still on a monthly allowance of K1,822 until he dies.

In this matter, Mwiinga, his wife, son and company pleaded not guilty to 72 counts of being in possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime valued at more than K41 million and more than US$238, 900 cash.

Mwiinga, 60, of Mwembenshi area in Lusaka is jointly charged with his son Hakaantu Mwiinga aged 33 and wife Mercy Mwenda aged 56 years old for being in possession of properties reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime contrary to Section 71 of the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act No. 19 of 2010 of the Laws of Zambia.

Mwiinga, Mwenda, son and the representative of Hichikey farm Limited Company all denied the 72 charges.

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The alleged properties include among others, a house in Kingsland City, double storey flat in NAPSA Housing Complex in Ibex Hill, motor vehicles and two properties in Chililabombwe.

Mungawa further testified that around December 2022 he was served with a warrant of access from the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) requesting for the pension benefits given to Mwiinga after he retired in 2015.

“According to the information I obtained, Mwiinga was given a sum of K497, 077.55 as his total benefits,” he said.

Mr. Mungawa also reviewed that Mwiinga retired on national interest on January 28, 2015 and became eligible to his monthly allowance on January 29, 2015.

“Mwiinga retired in 2015 but is currently on a salary as he is entitled to it,” said Mungawa.

Trial continues on April 26, 2023.

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