By PERPETUAL SICHIKWENKWE –
TWO Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) employees have been dragged to court for alleged corrupt practices and abuse of authority of office.
Caroline Mukelabai of plot number 13227, 5th Street in Chalala, and Gilbert Mainza of house number 7758, Woodlands extension, both customs officers, were charged with abuse of authority and corrupt practices by public officers.
It is alleged in the first count that Mukelabai and Mainza on February 17, 2015 in Lusaka, being persons employed by ZRA as customs officers, jointly and while acting together for purposes of benefit, abused the authority of their office.
They allegedly conducted an inspection on Silbrand warehouse without authority from their supervisor.
Mukelebai and Mainza are in the second count alleged to have between February 16, 2015 and February 20, 2015 in Lusaka while acting together corruptly solicited for K40,000 gratification from Peter Hatuma of Silbrand Trading.
The two allegedly received K16,000 in order to facilitate the release of Silbrand trucks that were impounded in Mozambique.
The acts were arbitrary and prejudicial to the rights and interests of ZRA, a public body.
Lusaka chief resident magistrate Aridah Chulu allocated the matter to principal resident Magistrate, Twaambo Musonda.
Mukelabai and Mainza were expected to take plea before Ms Musonda.
