THE Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has charged and arrested former Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo for allegedly attempting to interfere with three witnesses.

In a statement, Tuesday, ACC spokesperson Queen Chibwe said Lusambo, on dates unknown but between February 7 and April 7, 2022, in order to obstruct the due course of justice, endeavored to prevent three people from giving evidence as witnesses before a court of law.

“The Anti-Corruption Commission has charged and arrested former Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo for attempting to interfere with a Witness. Mr Lusambo, 45, of Chamba Valley area in Lusaka, has been charged with three counts of attempting to interfere with a Witness contrary to section 112 (1) (b) as read with section 389 (1) of the penal code Cap 87 of the laws of Zambia,” said Chibwe.

“Details in the three counts are that, Mr Lusambo, on dates unknown but between 7th February 2022 and 7th April 2022, in order to obstruct the due course of justice did endeavor to dissuade or prevent three named persons to give evidence as witnesses before a court of law. Mr Lusambo has since been detained and will appear in court soon.”

ACC officers apprehended Lusambo after he appeared in the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court for mention in a case in which he is jointly charged with his wife with 10 counts of possession of properties suspected to be proceeds of crime.

Lusambo and his wife Nancy, appeared for mention before magistrate Faides Hamaundu and the case was adjourned to May 18, 2022.

But as Lusambo was about to leave the courtroom after the case was mentioned, he noticed some plain-clothed officers who were standing outside the courtroom waiting to apprehend him, which forced him to return to the courtroom where he stayed for about 30 minutes.

He also whispered to his wife who left without being stopped by the officers.

After about 30 minutes, Lusambo emerged from the courtroom and was immediately approached by some officers who informed him of his arrest.

Lusambo asked the officers why they wanted to take him, further telling them that hunger was the problem in Zambia and not him.

He further asked the officers as he was being whisked to the waiting vehicle why they were always after him.

Lusambo added that he could not really blame them as they were merely doing their duty and that they would be promoted.