12 people, among them a pastor and bishop, have appeared before the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court for being in possession of over K100,000 counterfeit notes.

The 12 include: a 38 year-old businessman of Jack Compound identified as Elijah Sinyangwe; 37 year-old business lady of Garden Compound identified as Petronella Moyo; a 68-year-old bishop of Kanyama compond identified as Martin Matafwali; a 48-year-old pastor of Kalingalinga area identified as William Chocha and a 39-year-old driver of Kanyama Coumpond identified as Victor Kalichi, among others.

Others include: Isaac Mumba, 22 and Loti Phiri, 29, of Chawama compound; Sanny Milambo, 52, of Thornpark; Melvin Moyo, 52, Libala South; Samuel Chama, 60, Chinika area; Elijah Mbewe, 19, Jack Compound; Chakolela Nkhoma, 29, Jack Compound.

The accused are all facing a charge of purchasing forged notes contrary to section 358 of the penal code chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.

In count one, it is alleged that Elijah Mbewe on dates unknown but November 14 and 27, 2018, in Lusaka, jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown, did possess five pieces of K100 counterfeit notes without lawful authority.

In count two, it is alleged that Chakolela Nkhoma on the same dates, in Lusaka, jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown, did possess 10 pieces of K100 counterfeit notes without lawful authority.

In count three, it is alleged that Elijah Sinyangwe on the same dates, in Lusaka, jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown, did possess one piece of K100 counterfeit notes without lawful authority.

In count four, it is alleged that Petronella Moyo on the same dates, in Lusaka, jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown, did possess 72 pieces of K100 counterfeit notes without lawful authority.

In count five, it is alleged that Loti Phiri on the same dates, in Lusaka, jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown, did possess one piece of K100 counterfeit notes without lawful authority.

In count six, it is alleged that William Chocha on the same dates, in Lusaka, jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown, did possess 266 pieces of K100 counterfeit notes without lawful authority.

In count seven, it is alleged that Martin Matafwali on the same dates, in Lusaka, jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown, did possess five pieces of K100 counterfeit notes without lawful authority.

In count eight, it is alleged that Elijah Mbewe, Petronella Moyo, Isaac Mumba, Loti Phiri, William Chocha, Victor Kalichi, Sanny Milambo, Melvin Moyo, Samuel Chama and Martin Matafwali on the same dates, in Lusaka, jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown, did purchase 1,000 pieces of K100 counterfeit notes without lawful authority.

And when matter came up for plea before Magistrate Thandose Chabala, the accused persons pleaded not guilty.