Zambia’s ex-president denies bribe

[iolsa]

Lusaka - Former Zambian president Rupiah Banda on Tuesday pleaded not-guilty to charges that he accepted a bribe, in the form of 10 trucks from a Chinese firm, in an attempt to boost his failed re-election campaign of 2011.

Banda, who governed the copper-rich southern African nation between 2008 and 2011, is accused of receiving the trucks from subsidiaries of China's Anui Foreign Economic Construction Company in return for agreeing to grant them favourable terms on contracts if he was re-elected.

The trucks were used as election campaign vehicles.

“I understand the charges, your honour, but I plead not guilty,”  Banda told a court in Lusaka during a hearing that confirmed the charges brought against him. The trial is now due to commence on November 26.

Banda lost the 2011 election to President Michael Sata, who since taking office has launched a massive anti-corruption campaign. Opponents of the government say Sata is using the campaign to silence his critics.

Banda, who no longer enjoys immunity from prosecution and is not  allowed to leave the country, is also accused of having undertaken corrupt oil dealings that benefited his family.

Sapa-dpa

[iolsa]