Former President’s Son Chiluba Jr Stole And Swapped A Phone For Drugs, Hears Court
AN ARRESTING officer yesterday told the Lusaka Magistrate’s Court that late President Frederick Chiluba’s son, Frederick, allegedly stole a phone and traded it with drugs in Chibolya township. In this case, it is alleged that Frederick Chiluba Junior, 33, and a former Zambia Air Force (ZAF) officer, stole a Samsung S7 edge valued at K8,500, a property of Brenda Chisha. When the matter came up before Magistrate Nthandose Chabala, Chris Mwale, a police officer at Woodlands Police Station, told the court that on September 2, 2017, he received a complaint from Chisha that her phone was stolen.
“Acting on the same time, I instituted investigations from the complainant who stated that on September 2, 2017 she went to Mommas bar in Nyumba Yanga, in the company of her husbdand, her friend Isaac banda and Fredrick Chiluba Junior.
“She told me that as they sat on the bench, Chiluba asked for her phone to make a call. She gave him. Again after a few minutes, he asked for the same phone and she gave him. However whilst on the phone Chiluba left and as she tried to reach her phone, it was off,” she narrated.
Mr Mwale said Chiluba was apprehended the following day in Nyumba Yanga by the complainant in the company of police officers.
He said during interviews at the police station, Chiluba told him that he sold the phone at K600 in exchange for drugs in Chibolya. Mr Mwale said he also inquired to the two mobile operators if the phone was being used but was told its serial numbers never existed.
“Under warn and caution statement, he gave a free and voluntary answer and denied the allegations. I made up my mind to charge him for the offence of theft. Your honor after the accused was brought to court, the accused person’s younger sister bought the phone of a similar nature and asked if I could give the complainant so that the matter could be withdrawn.
” I refused and advised her to table the matter in court,: he said.
And during cross examination, Chilubas’ lawyer Chola Musonda asked if any relationship existed between the complainant and the accused.
Mr Mwale said according to investigations, the two are family friends.
The defense lawyer also challenged Mr Mwale if he also investigated reports that that Chiluba placed the phone on the table after using it. In response Mr Mwale wondered why Chiluba’s family decided to buy a new phone.
He also said Chiluba promised to lead them to Chibolya where he allegedly sold the phone in the company of his relatives.
When further challenged why he did not report to the Drug Enforcement Commission, Mr Mwale said he tried to get in touch with DEC officers but their phones were switched off.
Magistrate Chalabala adjourned the matter to January 26, 2018 for continuation of trial.
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