Tue 15 Mar. 2011, 04:01 CAT   

http://www.postzambia.com/post-read_article.php?articleId=19006

HENRY Kapoko and his relative yesterday pleaded not guilty to charges of theft by public servant and money laundering involving about K374 million in the Lusaka magistrates' court.

Kapoko, who is a former human resource manager and administration officer at the Ministry of Health in Lusaka, and Robert Kalimi, took their plea before magistrate Rogers Kaoma.

Kapoko and Kalimi are in the first count charged with theft by public servant.

It is alleged that the duo stole K374, 344, 000 of public funds that came into Kapoko's abode by virtue of his employment in the public service.

In count two, the duo are charged with money laundering for allegedly engaging in a business transaction that involved the same amount as in count one.

The facts read that the duo concealed the money acquired from an illegal activity by depositing it in Rojo Trading Limited account number 16-1169161 held at Barclays Bank Mutaba House.

Kapoko and Kalimi are in count three charged with money laundering involving the same amount acquired from an illegal activity, which was disguised by procuring property, namely house number 25 Manda Hill Road Olympia Park.

Count four alleges that the two did engage in money laundering activities also involving the above amount and which they disguised by depositing K99 million of the monies acquired from an illegal activity into Hesaka bank account number 000087773070 at Finance Bank Longacres branch.

In count five, Kapoko and Kalimi are charged with money laundering involving the same amounts that were obtained illicitly and a part of which was deposited into a Best Home Lodges account number 0004173670002 held at Finance Bank as a disguise.

In the last count, the duo is charged with money laundering involving the same amounts and of which K19.5 million was concealed by depositing it into a Kahekam bank account number 00641136140010 at Finance Bank Longacres branch.

All the charges were alleged to have been committed between June 6 and 20, 2008.

Magistrate Kaoma then adjourned the matter to April 4, 2011 for mention and fixing of trial date.

Magistrate Kaoma told the accused to ensure that their lawyers were present on the set date.