Lusaka man convicted for corruption

—-The Lusaka High Court has sentenced a man to three years imprisonment for alleged corrupt acts involving KR30, 000.

In a statement issued by the Anti- Corruption Commission Acting Public Relations Manager, Queen Chibwe, and obtained by ZANIS in Lusaka today, High Court Judge, Dominic Sichinga, on Tuesday February 12, 2013, found David Tayali, aged 62, guilty of attempts at extortion by threats contrary to the laws of Zambia and sentenced him to three years simple imprisonment with effect from February 3, 2012.

Ms Chibwe reminded law breakers that extortion under the laws of Zambia is a serious offence and encouraged members of the public to report all suspected cases of extortion, graft and other criminal vices to the law enforcement agency

Details of the offence are that Tayali, in January 2009, corruptly demanded for K30 million (KR30, 000) and actually received KR2,000 from then Mwinilunga East Member of Parliament, Stephen Katuka, after alleging that Mr Katuka was under probe by the taskforce on corruption.

Ms Chibwe added that the convicted could influence the outcome of the investigations.

She noted that Mr Tayali was arrested by the Anti- Corruption Commission after a surveillance operation was conducted.

Ms Chibwe said trial commenced in the year 2010, but Tayali disappeared, resulting in the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to enter a nolle prosequi in the case.

She further said that the case was re-opened after Tayali was re-arrested on January 3, 2012 and he has since been making appearances in the court.