Mutati named as key defence witness in Lusambo corruption trial, though doubts persist over his readiness to attend

The Lusaka Magistrates’ Court has heard that Science and Technology Minister, Felix Mutati, is among the key witnesses former Kabushi Member of Parliament, Bowman Lusambo, intends to call in his ongoing corruption case.

Lusambo’s defence team made the disclosure during continued trial proceedings, though they admitted to facing difficulties in securing Mutati’s attendance.

“I indicated four witnesses. I apologise for failing to bring Mr. Felix Mutati today, but I will try,” said a member of the defence team.

Meanwhile, a 46-year-old private valuation surveyor, Franklin Zimba, testified as a defence witness and challenged the State’s valuation of Lusambo’s Chamba Valley property.

Zimba, a Copperbelt University graduate and registered member of the Zambia Institute of Surveyors, told the court that his independent assessment placed the market value of the property at K8.8 million—far below the K17.6 million valuation by government valuers and the K13.5 million reinstatement value cited by the State.

He said he was hired by Lusambo after concerns were raised about the accuracy of the government’s valuation.

Zimba testified that the government misrepresented the property’s land size, mistakenly listing it as 0.8920 hectares (8,920 sqm), while Lusambo’s title deed actually covers only 892 sqm (0.0892 hectares).

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“The zero was misplaced. It’s a typographical error, but it has a huge impact. Market value depends on both land size and improvements—if either is wrong, the entire valuation is flawed,” he said.

Despite holding only one title deed, Zimba said his site inspection and analysis revealed that Lusambo’s developments spanned four plots, totalling 3,584 sqm. He valued the entire development at K8,844,000 using the comparable sales method.

His report was admitted into evidence as Defence Exhibit DP6.

During cross-examination, Zimba acknowledged that the State’s report included both market and reinstatement values but clarified that he was only engaged to assess market value. He also dismissed the suggestion that features such as a tarred driveway would significantly affect his valuation.

In re-examination, Zimba reaffirmed that his report focused solely on market value.

The case is being presided over by Chief Resident Magistrate Davies Chibwili and has been adjourned to June 2, 2025, for continued defence proceedings.

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