Lusaka Court Denies Former Health Minister Multi-Million Dollar Payout

The Lusaka High Court has denied action against a claim made by former Health Minister, Chitalu Chilufya.

Dr Chilufya claimed that, following an investigation and arrest by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), he had been subject to defamation, intimidation and special damages including mental anguish, pain and anxiety amounting to a payout of US$ 50 million. 

The Lusaka High Court struck down the payout explaining that it would be impossible to quantify such claims.

The former Health Minister was attempting to sue the ACC based on actions taken in 2020. At this time, Dr Chilufya was arrested and charged with four counts of possession of property reasonably suspected to be the proceeds of crime.

Following his arrest, he was acquitted by the Magistrate.

He then attempted to sue the ACC but was struck down by Judge Yangailo who outlined that the US$50 million pay-out was unlawful.