ACB probing 81 companies
ACB director Judge Rezine Mzikamanda said on Monday so far, the graft-busting agency has completed investigations on 60 companies.
However, Mzikamanda told the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament that they would not move in haste to seize property belonging to these companies or individuals for fear of paying claims for damages.
The committee summoned ACB officials to give an update on progress on the investigations into the looting of public funds by civil servants and individuals or companies in the private sector.
Mzikamanda told the committee that while investigations into the remaining 21 companies were underway, the ACB had started profiling assets and accounts belonging to individuals and companies involved in the looting at Capital Hill.
But he could not heed calls from the committee to disclose names of the companies, saying that would result in lawsuits.
Mzikamanda also said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has decided to try cases whose amounts are less than K100 million (about $250 000) in magistrate’s courts.
Said the ACB boss: “Since investigations into theft and corruption started in 2010/2011, about 39 suspects have been arrested and prosecution is underway. From the Capital Hill saga, 21 people have been arrested while 11 people have been committed to the High Court.”
The Capital Hill cashgate has also attracted the attention of the country’s development partners who have mobilised experts in forensic auditing and prosecution.
Willard Gwengwe, a member of the committee, queried why ACB has not pounced on property belonging to businessperson Oswald Lutepo, especially seizure of 22 vehicles allegedly donated to the ruling People’s Party.
Mzikamanda expressed fears that pouncing on Lutepo’s property before investigations are concluded would result in loss of government money through lawsuits.
