A MAGISTRATE has heard that no warrant was issued to request for information from Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development Ronald Chitotela in a matter he is accused of concealing property suspected to be proceeds of crime.

This is in a case Chitotela and three others are facing four counts of concealing and being in possession of properties suspected to be proceeds of crime. Between July 3, 2016 and October 30 last year, Chitotela, Gregory Chibanga and Brut Holdings Limited allegedly concealed lot number 148 of farm 50A situated in Makeni disguised in the names of Diris Mukange, property reasonably suspected of being proceeds of crime.

It is also alleged that on the same dates, Chitotela, Chibanga and Brut Holdings Limited concealed property, namely the remaining extent of subdivision A lot 22183/M situated in Ibex Hill in Lusaka. When the matter came up yesterday for continued trial and cross – examination, Christopher Siwakwi, an Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigations officer, told the court that no warrant of access to information was issued on Chitotela.

He said this in response to defence lawyer Mark Haimbe, who asked if he has issued a warrant of access against Chitotela during investigations. And Mr Siwakwi said when warning and cautioning Chitotela and Chibanga in connection with the allegations, the duo opted to remain silent. Further asked if Chitotela is the one who bought the property he is accused of concealing, Mr Siwakwi responded in the negative. Mr Siwakwi also told the court that he did not have evidence before court linking Chitotela to the purchase of the alleged concealed property using US$300,000.

He said this in response to Mr Haimbe’s question on whether Mr Siwakwi took any evidence to court linking Chitotela to the US$300,000 used to buy the alleged concealed properties. During trial, the court heard that China Harbour sent US$300,000 to Andrew and Partners account and that the money was allegedly used to buy property suspected to be proceeds of crime. And when concluding his testimony, Mr Siwakwi told the court that he made up his mind to charge Chitotela after concluding that the minister allegedly concealed property with the help of Chibanga and Brut Holding, which received U$300,000 for works it did not do.

Lusaka magistrate David Simusamba set July 8, this year as date for ruling on whether Chitotela and others have a case to answer.