Masebo Corruption Trial Adjourned

Former Tourism Minister Sylvia Masebo had her day in court with the prosecution team opening its case with the first witness.
Masebo, who is facing two counts of abuse of authority of office charges, was as has become traditional escorted by a host of UPND cadres led by party vice president Dr Canisius Banda.

In one count Masebo is alleged to have abused her office by arbitrarily cancelling hunting licences which was beyond her power and also dissolving the Zambia Wildlife Authority board without following procedure.
Prosecution witness Kenneth Mapani who is former head of procurement at the Zambia Public Procurement Authority told the court that only the approval committee had the power to cancel hunting licences.

The witness however had that nervy moment when under cross examination from defence lawyer Robert Simeza he could not categorically state what role a minister could play in the cancellation of tenders.
Magistrate Ireen Washimanga has adjourned the matter to September 15 for continued trial.