Jailed former Defense Minister Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba, has applied to the High Court’s Economic and Financial Crimes Division for permission to present additional evidence in his on-going appeal.
Mwamba, who was last year convicted of conflict of interest and possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime, argued that new evidence could overturn his conviction.
He claimed that during the late President Michael Sata’s administration, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) had cleared him of allegations related to conflict of interest.
In his affidavit, Mwamba serving a five year long sentence at Mwembeshi Prison stated that he had formally declared his interest in the contracts under scrutiny and that President Sata had exonerated him, leading to the closure of all investigations.
He further claimed to possess a letter from the ACC, a written declaration of interest, and correspondence from President Sata supporting his position.
Mwamba argued that these documents were either not admitted or not presented during his trial.
He alleged that a key document, labeled GBM2, which he claimsb exonerate him, was withheld by the prosecution. According to him, had it been produced, he would not have been convicted.
He contended that the documents he seeks to introduce:marked GBM1, GBM2, GBM3, and GBM4,are critical to his appeal and could potentially overturn the trial court’s decision.
He maintainedb that admitting the evidence would not prejudice the state but would ensure a fair hearing.
Mwamba’s appeal remains pending before the Lusaka High Court.
