The Anti-Corruption Bureau has arrested Judiciary spokesperson Mlenga Mvula on allegation that he corruptly solicited sums of money and other favours from the United Methodist Church in the names of High Court Judges and the Attorney General’s office.
In a press statement, dated September 1,2017 and signed by ACB senior public relations officer Egrita Ndala, in 2016 and 2017, Mvula, had on several occasions demanded various sums of money amounting to K10.7 million from the United Methodist Church through Reverend Daniel Mhone, the Executive Church Member and Conference Superintendent.
Mlenga who is a member of the church himself allegedly solicited the money to influence the outcome of a court case involving reverend Jawati and the United Methodist Church.
“This money was purportedly meant for the Attorney General’s office, judges, the Judiciary and Mr. Mlenga Mvula for influencing the outcome of a court case involving Reverend Jawati and the United Methodist Church,” the statement reads in part.
According to Ndala, Mlenga is likely to be charged with obtaining
money by false pretences contrary to Section 319 of the Penal Code and misuse of public office contrary to Section 25B (1) of the Corrupt
Practices Act.
She said Mlenga will be taken to Court after the Bureau has recorded a caution statement from him.
In a telephone interview, Ndala said ACB was also conducting a search and would seize anything that it feels would be useful in court.
“After recording a caution statement we will be making arrangements to take him to police,” she said.
Confirming the development, Registrar of the High Court Agnes Patemba said ACB picked Mlenga from his office.
“I can confirm that ACB has indeed picked him, they are yet to get a caution statement from him, in fact they had to come through my office for them to arrest him,” she said.
