A KEY state witness in the corruption case against Livingstone Mayor Constance Muleabai has told the court that a forensic report on WhatsApp messages does not show the alleged payment of K180,000 as gratification.
During cross-examination, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) forensic officer Clement Kasaro admitted that his report, which was based on messages from the complainant, did not contain any evidence of the K180,000 payment.
The witness, testifying before Visiting Lusaka Senior Resident Magistrate Trevor Kasanda, said his report was intended to demonstrate communication between complainant Moonde Sumbwa and a contact saved as ‘Constance Mukwae,’ who is alleged to be the mayor.
Kasaro further conceded that only messages favourable to the ACC’s case were selected for the report, while others that could assist the defense were left out.
He explained that some messages were excluded because they did not meet his specific criteria.
This testimony follows that of another ACC investigative officer, Neta Kufekisa, who previously confirmed that the translated WhatsApp messages did not contain any request or solicitation for money.
Muleabai is facing two counts of corrupt practices involving a private body under the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012.
The state alleges that between August and September 2023, she solicited K120,000 and later received K180,000 from businessman Mark Gabites.
The payments were allegedly an inducement to clear property rate arrears owed by Zamnuka Farming Limited to the Livingstone City Council.
By George Musonda
Kalemba July 18, 2025
