Army Officer who Stole Carpet Loses Court Challenge

A former Zambia Army corporal who was dismissed for stealing a carpet has lost his case for wrongful dismissal in the Lusaka High Court.

Fred Mulenga who was deployed at the Zambia Army headquarters was fired after being found guilty of stealing a carpet but opted to challenge the decision in court.

Mulenga was claiming for reinstatement and damages for wrongful dismissal, mental distress and hardships he endured since being discharged.

In his statement of claim, Mulenga alleged that the army did not follow procedure in dismissing him.

Mulenga alleged that he was never given an opportunity to explain the reasons for his actions.

However, Mulenga’s action was dismissed by the Attorney General who he had sued after it was established that he was found guilty of stealing the carpet.

The Attorney General argued that theft of the carpet amounted to stealing public property which contravened the Defence Act of the Laws of Zambia.

Justice Sharon Newa dismissed Mulenga’s claim for lack of merit saying he was not entitled to the reliefs he sought.