Former ZAF chief convicted of theft

The Lusaka Magistrate Court has today convicted former Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Commander Andrew Sakala for theft by public servant involving K1.5 million.

The court has however acquitted former Zambia National Service (ZNS) Commandant Sikota Yeta and former Zambia Army Commander Wisdom Lopa on the same charges.

Lusaka Magistrate Wilfred Muuma found Lieutenant General Sakala guilty of having stolen the public funds contrary to section 272 and 277 Chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.

Particulars of the offence are that between 16^th and 21^st September, 2011, General Sakala received K1.5 million through the ZAF Aircraft Hire Account, money meant for operations during the September 2011 general elections which he is alleged to have distributed to his colleagues.

The three former defence chiefs were jointly charged on 20^th March 2012.

General Sakala has since been remanded at Kamwala Remand Prison awaiting sentencing on Friday 10^th October 2014.

And the Joint Government Investigative Team has welcomed the conviction of General Sakala.

According to a statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today by Joint Investigative Team Public Relations Officer Namukolo Kasumpa.

Mrs. Kasumpa said the team will study the judgment on the acquittal of the other two generals for further consideration.