Former judiciary spokesperson sentenced

Former judiciary spokesperson, Mlenga Mvula, has received a 30-months jail sentence for soliciting money and other favours in the names of some High Court Judges and the Attorney General’s office.

Mvula was convicted last November for soliciting up to K10.7 million from a pastor of the United Methodist Church, Daniel Mhone, and two other senior members of the church.

During trial, the High Court heard that the former judiciary spokesperson convinced the pastor and his flock that he would influence the outcome of a case between one Reverend Jawati of the said church.

Delivering the sentence earlier today, Justice Sylvester Kalembera suspended sentences on 8 other charges against Mvula as well as a 2-year sentence on Mhone.

Chancy Gondwe is the lawyer who represented the two convicts and says the sentence will be appealed.

“We have instructions from our client (Mvula) to appeal the case because the sentence is manifestly excessive considering the circumstances of the matter and the mitigating factors which we presented for the court to consider.” Gondwe hinted.

Meanwhile, principal legal and prosecutions officer at the Anti-Corruption Bureau – ACB, Bernard Mlozoa Phiri said;

“We are happy with the sentences because they are fair and they fit the offenses and the offenders.”

The court has since directed that the ACB director should return the money amounting to K1.8 million to the church, which the two convicts returned during the trial process of the matter.