In a surprising courtroom scene, former Minister of Home Affairs Stephen Kampyongo was acquitted of all charges while his wife, Wanziya Chirwa Kampyongo, was found guilty and sentenced to three years in prison. The verdict was delivered by Magistrate Sylvia Munyinya, who addressed the couple’s 12 counts of possessing property suspected to be proceeds of crime.
Courtroom Drama: Acquittal and Conviction
After being acquitted, Mr. Kampyongo appeared momentarily stunned, hesitating to leave the dock despite being informed of his freedom. His wife, Wanziya, who works as a planner at the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Art, was not as fortunate. She received a three-year sentence after being convicted on five counts, while being acquitted on four others.
Details of the Ruling
Magistrate Munyinya stated, “I find Stephen Kampyongo not guilty of all the counts and I acquit him forthwith.” She further explained, “I find Wanziya Chirwa Kampyongo not guilty on counts one, four, six, and ten, and I acquit her of these four counts.” However, she was convicted on counts seven, eight, nine, eleven, and twelve.
Sentencing and Charges
Wanziya Kampyongo’s sentence consists of three years in prison, commencing immediately. The court found her guilty of possessing property valued at millions, including:
- An incomplete house in Eureka worth K8.6 million
- Properties in Ibex Hill and Libala South, valued at K1.6 million and K819,000, respectively
- Other properties in Lusaka’s Chifwema area and Meanwood Ndeke, totaling millions
The couple faced serious allegations of jointly possessing property linked to criminal activities from January 1, 2012, to September 30, 2022.
Defense and Court Findings
Both defendants denied the allegations, with Mr. Kampyongo asserting that his income as a lawmaker and civil servant funded their assets. Wanziya claimed that some funds were graduation gifts from her parents and earnings from international travel.
However, the court found insufficient evidence to support their claims. Notably, when their farm was inspected, there was a lack of produce to substantiate their claims of agricultural success.
Future Proceedings
Before the sentencing, defense lawyers Leone Lemba and Newman Siwila pleaded for leniency, highlighting that Wanziya is a first-time offender. Following the verdict, the Anti-Corruption Commission's prosecutor, Virginia Tembo, requested the forfeiture of the properties involved. A decision on this application is expected next week.
This case continues to unfold, raising questions about corruption and accountability within the government. Stay updated for further developments in this significant legal battle.