FORMER Lusaka Province minister Bowman Lusambo has denied attempting to interfere with witnesses.

Meanwhile, Lusaka magistrate Nthandose Chabala has granted Lusambo K20,000 cash bail, and further ordered him to provide two working sureties bound in the sum of K20,000, but in their own recognisance.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) recently charged and arrested Lusambo for allegedly attempting to interfere with three witnesses.

In count one, it is alleged that Lusambo between February 1 and April 30, 2022, in Lusaka, in order to obstruct the due course of justice did endeavour to dissuade or prevent Cosmas Kapula Chalusa to give evidence as a witness before a court of law.

In counts two and three, it is alleged that Lusambo between April 1 and April 30, 2022, in Lusaka, in order to obstruct the due course of justice did endeavour to dissuade or prevent Ernest Sumani and Mundia Mataa to give evidence as witnesses before a court of law.

When the matter came up yesterday, Magistrate Chabala read out the charges to Lusambo who said he understood them but pleaded not guilty.

After taking plea, Lusambo, through his defence lawyer Makebi Zulu, asked the court to grant him bail pending determination of the matter.

Zulu said his client was of fixed abode and not a flight risk.

He said Lusambo had not breached his bail conditions in other cases which were before court.

State prosecutor Daniel Ngwira objected to the application and asked that they adduce evidence by way of an affidavit.

The court however granted him bail.

Magistrate Chabala ordered Lusambo to provide sureties based in Lusaka who would be bound in the sum of K20,000, but in their own recognisance.

She also ordered Lusambo to provide proof of his residence by way of a utility bill.

Magistrate Chabala adjourned the matter for trial to June 27, while Lusambo will appear for mention on June 6, 2022.