Ex-minister, Yaluma, loses $128,000 in alleged diesel supply scam

Former Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister, Christopher Yaluma, has told the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court that he was swindled out of US$128,000 by a father-and-son duo who falsely claimed they could supply diesel.

Yaluma, 72, who served under the Patriotic Front (PF) government, said he believed he was dealing with a legitimate business — Tisha Investments Limited, owned by Anthony Kabuswe Mubanga, 54, and his 25-year-old son, Tinashe Mubanga, a student.

The court heard that the two promised to deliver four truckloads of 50 parts per million (ppm) diesel within a week after payment.

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“I signed the agreement in good faith. They assured me the diesel would be delivered within a week after payment, but they never delivered,” Yaluma told the court.

According to court documents, between September 28 and 29, 2022, the Mubangas, together with other unidentified accomplices, allegedly obtained the money by false pretences, claiming they had diesel for sale when they did not.

The pair have been charged with obtaining pecuniary advantage by false pretences contrary to Section 309A(a) of the Penal Code.

Magistrate Irene Wishimanga ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case, requiring the accused to enter their defence.

The trial continues on October 29.

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