Former Kabushi Member of Parliament Bowman Lusambo testified yesterday before the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court, stating that financial transactions in politics often lack formal documentation, as receipts are mostly not issued for campaign funds.
“Money in politics does not produce receipts, and that has always been the trend,” Lusambo told the court.
He argued that if the United Party for National Development (UPND) Secretary General were asked to disclose the source of funds used in the recent Petauke by-election, he would likely be unable to do so.
Lusambo made these remarks while presenting his defense before Chief Resident Magistrate Davies Chibwili in a matter concerning allegations of unexplained wealth relating to his luxurious residential house.
At the start of the proceedings, Lusambo’s defense team underwent changes. Nyimbili, representing Makebi Zulu Advocates, announced that he would be appearing alongside newly appointed lead counsel Maluza Chongola.
It was noted that Charles Changano from D. Findlay & Associates and Nkula Botha, who were fired on Tuesday, were rehired and would be joining the defense later in the day. Mr. Nkula Botha was also reinstated.
“We had a chat with our client, and he has since reversed his decision from yesterday. As such, we are being reappointed as his advocates,” Nyimbili informed the court.
In his testimony, Lusambo recounted his political journey, stating that between 2009 and 2011, he worked closely with former Republican President Rupiah Banda as the National Coordinator for the Die Hard National Youth Wing under the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD).
He explained that during this period, he received allowances and operational funds in cash from the late Dr. Chikunta, who was then a political advisor to the president.
“This money had no receipts. It was given to me for youth mobilization and political activities,” Lusambo stated.
He cited specific instances, including a by-election in Mansa where he received K250 million (unrebased) from Dr. Chikunta, with K80 million (unrebased) allocated per campaign vehicle and K5 million for fuel.
He detailed receiving K350 million for activities in North-Western Province during a presidential tour.
“I was on a weekly allowance because I used to get weekly funding for activities in Mandevu. I was getting K20 million unrebased as my allowance and K50 million unrebased for activities in the constituency,” he added.
“I worked in that constituency for almost six months together with my elder brother Mr. Scorpion Kadobi, among others. We moved from Mandevu Constituency; the presidential bodyguard assigned us as national youths for MMD to help him in Southern Province. Our responsibility was to ensure that we campaigned for aspiring candidates in Mazabuka Central, Chikankata, Magoye, Mooze Central, and Bweengwa.”
He testified that in relation to the activities in Southern Province, the late President Banda gave him K500 million unrebased for activities and K60 million for his upkeep.
Lusambo also defended the source of funds used for constructing his residence. He testified that in 2012, he purchased land in Chamba Valley for K75,000 from Kombe Washington Zimba. By 2013, he had begun construction on the property, engaging a South African-based company, Klobbers, which charged K1.6 million for the project.
He said the payments were made in installments, with oversight from his architect brother, Jerry, and site manager, Billy Mabvuto Phiri.
He further detailed his income sources after MMD’s 2011 election loss, stating that he worked as campaign manager for Dr. Nevers Mumba and received a monthly salary of K35,000, a housing allowance of K10,000, and a personal vehicle.
In 2016, Lusambo joined the Patriotic Front (PF) and won the Kabushi parliamentary seat. He became Minister for Copperbelt Province in September of that year. As a Member of Parliament, he said he initially received a salary of K30,000, as well as parliamentary sitting and committee allowances.
However, after being appointed as a minister, his salary shifted to the Ministry of Finance, while he continued receiving government allowances for official trips and engagements.
Lusambo challenged the prosecution’s claim that his house was valued at K18.5 million, stating that the actual construction cost was K1.6 million, and documentary evidence was available to support this.
“My house is not extraordinary; any hardworking Zambian can build such a house,” he said, adding that former President Frederick Chiluba had championed homeownership as a national policy.
The case continues on tomorrow.
