Livingstone Mayor Acquitted in High-Profile Corruption Case
Magistrate rules prosecution failed to prove charges beyond reasonable doubt
Livingstone Mayor Constance Nalishebo Muleabai has been acquitted on two counts of corrupt practices following a lengthy trial that has gripped the tourist capital since her arrest over a year ago.
Lusaka Magistrate Trevor Kasanda, sitting in the Livingstone Magistrate Court, delivered his judgement on Monday, ruling that the Anti-Corruption Commission had failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove both counts beyond reasonable doubt.
The 49-year-old mayor had been charged with corruptly soliciting K120,000 and receiving K180,000 from Mark Gabites, the owner of Zamnuka Farming Limited, allegedly as an inducement to facilitate the cancellation of property rates bills exceeding K300,000 owed to the Livingstone City Council.
The charges dated back to alleged incidents between August and September 2023, when Muleabai was accused of using her position as Mayor to broker a deal that would see the farming company's substantial rates debt written off in exchange for cash payments.
Trial Marked by Delays
The case has been plagued by postponements since proceedings began. Monday's ruling came after judgement had been rescheduled on three previous occasions - twice due to the presiding magistrate's inability to travel from Lusaka to Livingstone, and once in late November when the mayor herself was unable to attend court due to high blood pressure and related health complications.
Throughout the trial, which saw eleven witnesses testify under oath for the prosecution, Muleabai maintained her innocence. When called to open her defence in September 2025 after being found with a case to answer, she categorically denied all allegations, insisting she had never solicited or received any money from Gabites.
Magistrate's Rebuke
In his ruling, Magistrate Kasanda went beyond simply acquitting the mayor, issuing a pointed criticism of the ACC's investigative work. According to the Zambian Eye, the magistrate called on the Anti-Corruption Commission to thoroughly investigate matters before proceeding with indictments.
The rebuke suggests the commission had brought charges without sufficient evidence to sustain a conviction - a damaging assessment of the ACC's case preparation.
Earlier in the trial, defence lawyers had successfully challenged key aspects of the prosecution's evidence. ACC officer Mweemba Syadunka conceded under cross-examination that he could not prove the K180,000 allegedly withdrawn by state witness Monde Sumbwa ever reached the mayor. He also admitted that WhatsApp exchanges between the parties did not explicitly reference money, and there was no evidence linking Muleabai to an interest in Zamnuka Farms Limited.
The ACC, represented throughout the trial by prosecutors Gloria Muyunda and Lucie Hamweemba, had argued that testimony from their witnesses provided sufficient grounds for prosecution. However, the magistrate found their case fell short of the legal standard required for conviction.
Political Celebration
Following the acquittal, scenes of jubilation erupted outside the courthouse. Muleabai, who had appeared throughout trial on bond, was joined by residents and senior officials from the ruling United Party for National Development in songs of thanksgiving.
Among those celebrating were Katombola Member of Parliament Dr Clement Andeleki and Sesheke Member of Parliament Romeo Kangombe, underscoring the political dimensions of the case.
The mayor was represented throughout proceedings by Boniface Chiwala and McQueen Zaza of Chiwala Boniface Messres Legal Practitioners.
Implications for Governance
The case had attracted significant public attention in Livingstone, given Muleabai's prominent position and the implications for public confidence in local government finances and governance. Political analysts had noted that the outcome would likely influence perceptions of accountability within the City Council.
The acquittal raises questions about the ACC's investigative procedures and the standard of evidence required before charges are brought in high-profile corruption cases. It also provides vindication for Muleabai, who has consistently maintained the allegations were baseless since her initial interrogation by the ACC in February 2025.
The Livingstone City Council has not yet commented on the ruling or on the status of the property rates matter involving Zamnuka Farming Limited that formed the basis of the original allegations.