JB used me -Lutepo

Chief cashgate convict Oswald Lutepo has insisted on implicating former president Joyce Banda (JB) in the looting and plunder of public resources, claiming JB used him to siphon K4.2 billion kwacha from public coffers.

He made the claim this morning while addressing the media inside the High Court in Zomba where is he expected to be sentenced. It follows his own plea of guilty to two counts of conspiracy to defraud government and money laundering.

Lutepo, who looked composed and ready for the sentencing session said his involvement in cashgate was “circumstantial not that I’ve a criminal mind”.

Said Lutepo: “Joyce Banda already knows that she used me. I can’t start explaining things that she already knows. She knows how she used me.

“My message to Joyce Banda is that she has to know that love is more important than anything else. Using someone is a sign of lack of love.”

Franked by his relatives, well-wishers, police officers and his lawyer Oswald Mtupila,  Lutepo said he will accept whatever outcome of today’s ruling and promised to become an ambassador for the fight against corruption and crime in the country.

“I still believe I’m a good role model to the youths. I was able to contribute to the country’s development by offering employment. I did not get rich because of cashgate, I had businesses before.

“I insist, my conscious is clear that I didn’t steal from govt. How could I get hold of government money on my own? The money was  for ‘them’ he said, but could not elaborate on who he meant by “them”.

Lutepo also pledged to fight for minority rights especially those in prison, saying his stay in prison has made him see things he has never seen before.

Meanwhile, Lutepo has urged all those involved in cashgate to come out in the open as he has done.

Sentencing is expected to start soon.