Africa-Press – Zambia. The Lusaka magistrate court has freed Dr. Chitalu Chilufya and seven others in a case where they were accused of conspiracy to defraud the state in connection with the HoneyBee drugs supply case. The accused were alleged to have conspired to defraud the government out of over US$17 million.
The case had attracted significant attention in Zambia, with many closely following developments and waiting for the outcome. Dr. Chilufya is a well-known figure in Zambian politics, having previously served as Minister of Health before being appointed as Minister of Agriculture in 2020. The other accused in the case included former Attorney General Likando Kalaluka, former Ministry of Health permanent secretary Caroline Kakulubelwa, and procurement officer Wilson Lungu. The case also involved Honeybee Pharmacy Limited directors Abdurrauf Motala, Zakir Motala, and Imran Lunat, as well as pharmacist Emmanuel Mubanga.
When the matter came up for a trial, the prosecution team made an application to discontinue the matter pursuant to section 88 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The court subsequently discharged all of the accused persons.
The decision to discontinue the case is significant, as it represents a victory for Dr. Chilufya and the other accused. The allegations against them were serious, and the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence was a real concern. The decision to withdraw the charges will be welcomed by many, particularly those who have supported Dr. Chilufya and the other accused throughout the case.
The reasons for the state’s decision to discontinue the case are not yet clear, and there is likely to be ongoing speculation and discussion around the matter in the coming weeks. However, the outcome will be seen by many as a reminder of the importance of following proper legal procedures and ensuring that cases are based on solid evidence before pursuing prosecution.
The case has also highlighted broader issues around corruption and transparency in Zambia. Corruption is a significant problem in the country, and there have been numerous high-profile cases in recent years. The HoneyBee case was seen as a test of the government’s commitment to tackling corruption, and the decision to withdraw the charges may be seen by some as a setback in this regard.
However, there are likely to be differing views on the matter, and it will be interesting to see how the case is interpreted by different sections of society. For Dr. Chilufya and the other accused, the outcome is a significant victory, and they will be keen to move on from the case and resume their normal lives.
In a statement issued after the court’s decision, Dr. Chilufya thanked his supporters and expressed his relief at the outcome. He also acknowledged the challenges that the case had presented, both to himself and to his family.
“This has been a difficult time for me and my family, and I am grateful for the support that we have received throughout this process,” he said. “I am now keen to move on from this matter and to continue working for the good of our country.”
The HoneyBee case is likely to be remembered as one of the most high-profile legal cases in recent Zambian history. The decision to withdraw the charges will be seen as a significant development, and it will be interesting to see how the case is interpreted and discussed in the coming weeks and months. For now, however, Dr. Chilufya and the other accused can celebrate their victory and look forward to putting the case behind them.
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