Ex-Kasama lawmaker, Sampa, to face trial in alleged $150,000 fraud case, court rules

Former Kasama Member of Parliament, Kelvin Mutale Sampa, has been found with a case to answer in an alleged complex fraud and forgery matter involving more than US$150,000, counterfeit currency, and materials allegedly intended for producing fake banknotes.

Senior Resident Magistrate, Irene Wishimanga, ruled that the State had established a prima facie case against the 52-year-old businessman, who is now standing trial on four serious charges.

“After reviewing the prosecution’s evidence, I am satisfied that the State has made out a case sufficient to require the accused to answer,” Magistrate Wishimanga stated.

She stated that: “I therefore find him with a case to answer and place him on his defence.”

Sampa, who resides in Lusaka’s Meanwood area, is facing two counts of theft by agent, one count of unlawful possession of forged banknotes, and one count of possession of materials for counterfeiting.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The court heard that Sampa will testify on oath and call five witnesses in his defence.

The matter has been adjourned to July 11, 2025, to allow the defence team time to prepare.

According to the prosecution, between July and October 2024, Sampa—acting as an agent for two Japanese nationals—embezzled large sums of money meant for gold purchases.

In the first count, he is accused of stealing $70,000 from Kunihiro Fugishima. In the second, he is alleged to have stolen $80,000 from Satoshi Sakamoto. Both sums were reportedly entrusted to him for investment in gold on their behalf.

On October 9, 2024, Sampa was allegedly found in possession of 110 counterfeit $100 notes, which he is accused of knowingly holding.

On the same day, he was reportedly caught with 7,622 sheets of light green paper resembling U.S. dollar banknote material, suspected to be intended for producing counterfeit currency.

The prosecution closed its case after presenting multiple witnesses and documentary evidence linking Sampa to the alleged offences.

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