The ACC Appeals Magistrate Court Decision

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has appealed the decision of the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court to discharge Ronald Chitotela, Member of Parliament for Pambashe.

The news comes a day after Mr. Chitotela had been released from arrest.

The MP had originally been arrested for two counts of possession of property that was reasonably suspected to be the proceeds of crime.

The Magistrate had released the former Minister on grounds that he had been granted immunity. However, ACC spokesperson Queen Chibwe said that they respectfully disagreed with the decision.

In a statement she said, “To this end, the Commission will immediately exercise its right to appeal the decision on the basis that, among others, a settlement agreement under section 80 of the Anti-Corruption Act Number 3 of 2012 is only tenable when an accused person has fulfilled two conditions, and these are: i) He or she has given a full and true disclosure of all material facts relating to past corrupt conduct and an illegal activity; ii) He or she has voluntarily paid, deposited, or refunded all property the person acquired through corruption or illegal activity.”

The announcement reflects the New Dawn government’s crackdown on corruption within Zambia as well as their no-nonsense approach which was outlined during the president's last press conference.