Zambia: Former Zambia Air Force Commander jailed for misuse of public funds

Lusaka, Zambia (PANA) – Former Zambia Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Andrew Sakala was Friday sentenced by a Lusaka magistrate court to five years imprisonment, with hard labour, for theft of 1.5 million Kwacha (approximately US$ 250,000) public funds.

Passing the sentence, Magistrate Wilfred Muma said it "will serve as a deterrent to would-be perpetrators of a similar crime."

Muma observed that Sakala deserved leniency from the court but the crime he committed required a maximum custodial sentence.

In his mitigation, Sakala had asked the court for leniency, considering the service he rendered to the country and the role he played in ensuring the smooth transfer of power following the 2011 tripartite election.

According to the prosecution, General Sakala in September 2011, received K1.5 million through the ZAF Aircraft Hire Account for operations during the general elections held the same month, but he allegedly distributed the money to his colleagues.

Sakala served as Air Force commander under the previous government of President Rupiah Banda. He was found guilty of misusing funds meant for operations prior to and after the 2011 general elections which President Banda lost.

The same magistrate on Monday acquitted Sakala’s co-accused, former Army Commander Lieutenant General Wisdom Lopa and former Zambia National Service Commandant Lieutenant General Anthony Yeta.

-0- PANA MM/AR 10Oct2014