Amos Chanda Walks Free As State Abandons Corruption Case

The state has dropped its case against former State House Spokesperson Amos Chanda, who is accused alongside two others of corruption charges involving US$21,0000. 

Mr Chanda, who previously served as President Lungu’s special assistant for press and public relations, was first brought into Lusaka’s Magistrates’ court in January 2020 on charges of corrupt practices and accepting a bribe. 

He was charged alongside former Intelligent Mobility Services Director Walid el Nahas and former Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) CEO Zindaba Soko. 

The trio plead not guilty, with two witnesses being brought forward to testify in the initial trial.

However, when the case resumed on Tuesday, the state entered a nolle prosequi, formally dropping the charges against Chanda et al. 

In light of this order, Magistrate Lameck Mwale discontinued proceedings and Mr Chanda was allowed to walk free.

In an interview with journalists after his discharge, the former press assistance said justice had prevailed and that he thanked his wife and friends for their support. 

According to evidence brought before the court, Mr Nahas allegedly tried to offer Mr Chanda a bribe of US$11,000 to award a contract for RTSA to his company, Intelligent Mobility Services. 

Mr Chanda was alleged to be in possession of this money and charged with accepting the proceeds of crime. 

There is currently no explanation given for why the prosecution dropped its case against Chanda.