AN ECONOMIST of Chilenje South has pleaded not guilty to two counts of illegally accessing University of Zambia (UNZA) data using Parliament Internet Protocol (IP) address.

It is alleged that the man accessed the information to reduce loans for students at a fee.

In this case Andrew Mwewa, 33, unemployed, is facing two counts of unauthorized access to interception of, or interference with data contrary to Section 99 (1) of the Electronic Communications and Transaction Act no 21 of 2009 of the Laws of Zambia.

In count one, particulars of the offence are that on July 31, 2017 in Lusaka intentionally accessed or interfered with data of UNZA by using user name Inzara on IP address 197.220.196.54 without authority.

And in count two, particulars of the offence are that on January 26, 2019 in Lusaka Mwewa intentionally accessed or interfered with data of UNZA by using IP address 41.77.145.34 for Parliament without authority.

It is alleged that on the said dates Mwewa who was working as a driver at the University at the time gained access to the system and used it to reduce student loans for students at a fee.

When the matter came up for plea before Lusaka Magistrate Humphrey Chitalu, Mwewa denied both counts.

He was later granted K20, 000 bail in his own recognizance and two working sureties bound in the like sum.

The matter has been adjourned to April 1, 2019 for commencement of trial. Accused is in custody until he meets bail conditions.