Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane has taken the stand as a defence witness to testify in a matter in which a couple of Chilala, in Lusaka is accused of possessing 48 properties which were later known to be 51 at a cost of K 37 million.
This follows the defence’s decision to subpoena the Minister and daughter of former Republican President Edgar Lungu, Tasila to testify in the matter.
In his testimony before magistrate Faides Hamaundu, Dr. Musokotwane has denied ever knowing the couple contrary to some media reports that suggested that he is the uncle to one of the accused, Charles Mukomena Loyana.
Dr. Musokotwane also refuted claims that he owns the said properties.
In this matter, Charles Mukomena Loyana and his wife Susan are facing charges of concealing and acquiring the properties because the value of the properties allegedly exceeded their verified sources of income.
The state is alleging that the said properties were acquired by the couple through proceeds of crime.
By Darius Choonya