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A forensic financial trail involving more than K14 million has emerged in the murder trial of Guntila Muleya, with the Lusaka High Court hearing how funds allegedly meant for legitimate transactions were diverted into private company accounts owned by one of the murder accused.
Testifying before court, Ngawa Muhande said the payments were irregular and presented as transactions for goods, services, and debt settlement — which was not the case.
He told the court that investigations were triggered by intelligence pointing to suspicious payments within the Independent Broadcasting Authority involving the Zambia Revenue Authority and other suppliers.
Muhande explained that while the payments were recorded as having been made to entities such as ZRA, Airtel Networks Zambia Limited, Family Legacy and others, investigations revealed that the funds were instead deposited into accounts linked to Veridian Dynamics and Digital Initiative Systems, companies owned by murder accused Samuel Dokowe.
“The payments were purportedly made for the provision of goods and services and liquidation of debt, which was not the case,” Muhande said.
He added that a review of payment instructions (Atlas.mara) and bank transfer application forms from Zanaco established that the account numbers used in the transactions belonged to the two companies.
Muhande further revealed that payment instructions submitted to the bank were processed through the IBA accounts office, involving Francis Chipyoka, and fellow accountant Peter Hambiya, who is alleged to be on the run.
In this matter, Chipyoka and Dokowe are accused of murdering Muleya on July 23, 2024, in Chongwe’s Njolwe area. Others jointly charged in the case include police officers M’Thusani Dokowe and Caleb Zulu.
Trial continues.
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