Ex-Kasama MP, Sampa, jailed for defrauding businessman of K1.4 million

Former Kasama Central Member of Parliament, Kelvin Sampa, once a figure of considerable political influence, was on Monday sentenced to two years imprisonment with hard labour by the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court for obtaining money by false pretenses.

Sampa, who appeared in court with a somber expression, was found guilty by Senior Resident Magistrate, Trevor Kasanda, of defrauding a businessman of over K1.4 million under the guise of facilitating the release of goods impounded by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).

The case arose from a 2022 complaint lodged by Salehe Mbaruku Sengulo, Managing Director of Mbaruku Trading Limited, who told the court that Sampa claimed to have influential connections within ZRA and could help secure the release of a truckload of Konyagi spirit seized by the authority.

According to court testimony, Sampa received K1.4 million from the company for this supposed intervention. However, he allegedly retained K1.2 million as “commission” without forwarding the funds to ZRA, resulting in the continued impoundment of the goods and financial losses for the company.

Magistrate Kasanda ruled that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. “I find the accused guilty and convict him accordingly,” he stated.

In mitigation, the defence argued that the funds had since been refunded and pleaded for a non-custodial sentence, citing Sampa’s status as a first offender.

But the court held that such offences were increasingly common and required strong deterrence.

“To deter would-be offenders, I sentence the convict to 24 months imprisonment with hard labour,” said Magistrate Kasanda.

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