Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development Ronald Chitotela and his co-accused have pleaded not guilty in the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court to four counts of concealing and being in possession of properties suspected to be proceeds of crime.

In this matter, it is alleged in the first count that Chitotela, Gregory Chibanga and Brut Holdings Limited, between July 3, 2016 and October 30, last year in Lusaka, concealed lot number 148 of farm 50A situated in Makeni disguised in the names of Diris Mukange, property reasonably suspected of being proceeds of crime.

In the second count, the trio between the same dates is accused of concealing part of subdivision A lot 22183/M situated in Ibex Hill, Lusaka, disguised in the name of Diris Mukange, property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime.

In the third count, Diris Mukange between the same dates jointly and whilst acting together with other unknown people possessed lot number 148 of farm 50A situated in Makena in Lusaka, property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime.

In the fourth count, Mukange between the same dates possessed part of subdivision A of lot 22183/M situated in Ibex Hill.

When the matter came up for plea before magistrate David Simusamba, Tuesday, Chitotela said he denied the charges 100 percent.

His co-accused equally pleaded not guilty.

The matter has since been adjourned to March 20 and 21, this year, as well as April 2, 3 and 4, for trial.