Lusaka | March 31, 2026 – Chief Resident Magistrate Ireen Wishimanga has convicted former Kasama Member of Parliament Kelvin Mutale Sampa in the Lusaka Subordinate Court on charges of theft by agent and forgery-related offences.
Sampa stood trial on four counts which were two counts of theft by agent, contrary to Section 280(b) of the Penal Code, one count of illegal possession of forged bank notes contrary to section 358 of the Penal Code, and one count of possession of paper or implements for forgery, contrary to Section 351(a) of the Penal Code.
The prosecution called six witnesses, including two Japanese nationals, Kunihiro Fujishima and Satoshi Sakamoto. The case was prosecuted by Senior Public Prosecutor, Mr. Aaron Tuntuluka.
The brief facts of the case are that between July 17, 2024 and September 30, 2024, Sampa was entrusted with US$70,000 and US$80,000 by two Japanese nationals for the purpose of purchasing gold on their behalf. He promised them that he would add his own money to enable them to buy a larger quantity, as the funds they had provided were insufficient.
No gold was ever purchased as agreed. As the Japanese nationals’ visas neared expiration, they pressed for the return of their money. Sampa, however, reportedly gave them false explanations about the delay before eventually handing over a locked safe, claiming their funds were inside but that the keys were with someone outside Lusaka. Under continued pressure from the complainants, Sampa accompanied them to Eastpark Mall, where a locksmith was engaged to open the safe.
After the safe was opened, Sampa handed over some dollars to the complainants, who discovered the money was counterfeit. Sampa then reportedly presented himself as a victim and called a police officer to report the incident. A search conducted in his presence led to the discovery of 110 pieces of forged US dollar notes and 7,635 pieces of light green paper cut to resemble US$100 bills.
Following investigations, Sampa was charged and arrested for the subject offences.
This afternoon, the court convicted Sampa on the second count of theft by agent, the count of illegal possession of forged bank notes, and the count of possession of paper or implements for forgery. He was sentenced to three years imprisonment with hard labour on each count, with the sentences to run concurrently, effective today.
He was, however, acquitted on the first count of theft by agent, finding that the prosecution had not adduced sufficient evidence to prove he was entrusted with the alleged US$70,000.
A clear message: financial crime will be pursued, and accountability will follow.