Former Zambia High Commissioner to Canada Nevers Mumba has opted to remain silent in a matter in which he is alleged to have arbitrary facilitated the awarding of two contracts to private Canadian companies which were contracted to renovate his official residence.

And Ndola Industrial Relations Court Deputy Registrar, sitting as magistrate, Joshua Banda has set January 11, 2018 for judgment.

When the matter came up yesterday, Mumba u-turned on his earlier decision to take the stand to defend himself.

Mumba, who is also MMD president, told the court through his lawyer Jonas Zimba that he had opted to remain silent.

A fortnight ago, magistrate Banda placed the Mumba on his defense for allegedly awarding contracts which witnesses said exceeded the acceptable threshold.

The witnesses testified that Mumba awarded the contract valued at CAD18,000 which exceeded the authorised threshold for renovating the residence.

The court, however, acquitted Mumba on allegations that he flouted procedure in disbursing CAD122,000 which was a donation from Barrick Gold for a cultural exchange programme.