Livingstone Mayor Awaits Corruption Trial Judgment

Lusaka Resident Magistrate Trevor Kasanda has scheduled 28 November for judgment in the corruption case against Livingstone Mayor Constance Nalishebo Muleabai, who faces two counts of corrupt practices involving K180,000.

The 49-year-old mayor closed her defense on Monday after Magistrate Kasanda ruled she had a case to answer. Muleabai is charged under section 20(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012 for allegedly engaging in corrupt practices with a private body.

The charges stem from allegations that between 1 August and 30 September 2023, Muleabai solicited K120,000 from Mark Gabites and subsequently obtained K180,000 as an inducement to facilitate full remission of property rates bills for Zamnuka Farming Limited at Livingstone City Council.

Taking the stand in her defence, Muleabai denied receiving any money. She testified that her involvement was limited to helping Monde Sumbwa, a state witness, gain child and rental support from Oliver Thomas Perry, a co-owner of Zamnuka Farming Limited. When Sumbwa inquired about property rate remission, Muleabai said she directed her to Livingstone Town Clerk Timothy Mambalakata.

The mayor also disputed allegations that her vehicle transported Sumbwa to ZANACO Livingstone Branch to withdraw K180,000, claiming she was attending another event. She told the court she felt pre-judged after audio of an alleged conversation with complainant Gabites circulated on social media before her Anti-Corruption Commission summons.

The Anti-Corruption Commission called 11 witnesses in the case. Muleabai is represented by Chiwala Boniface Legal Practitioners.