Former Kasama Member of Parliament Kelvin Sampa has been convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment with hard labour by the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court for offences relating to theft and forgery.
In a case that has attracted public attention, Sampa was accused of defrauding two Japanese nationals, Kunihiro Fugishima and Satoshi Sakamoto, in a transaction involving the purchase of gold.
Delivering judgment, Magistrate Irene Washimanga acquitted Sampa on the first count of theft involving US$70,000, stating that the prosecution failed to prove the charge beyond reasonable doubt.
However, the court found Sampa guilty on the second count of theft by agent involving US$80,000.
He was also convicted on the third and fourth counts of possession of forged banknotes and possession of materials used for forgery, with the court ruling that the prosecution had successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
During mitigation, the defence informed the court that Sampa is a first offender, a family man and a leader in society who previously served as Member of Parliament for Kasama. The defence also submitted that Sampa was remorseful and urged the court to consider a non-custodial sentence.
But after considering the submissions, the court sentenced him to three years imprisonment with hard labour, effective immediately.
Source: Diamond TV
By Josphat Hamakala
