By LUCY PHIRI
The Lusaka Magistrate’s Court has found former Lusaka Province Minister, Bowman Lusambo’s sister-in-law Patience Manase with a case to answer for allegedly uttering false documents and obtaining pecuniary advantage in form of salaries and allowances amounting to K429,972.68.
This is in a case in which Manase, a former student at the University of Zambia (UNZA) pleaded not guilty to seven counts of forgery of a School Certificate and uttering false documents, as well as obtaining pecuniary advantage in the form of salaries and allowances amounting to K429, 972.68.
In her ruling, Magistrate Irene Wishimanga said a prima facie case had been established against Manase, which required her to be placed on her defence.
“The prosecution evidence has established a prima facie case to warrant the accused to be placed on her defence. I found the accused with a case to answer. I accordingly place the accused on her defense and her right to be explained, “Magistrate Wishimanga said.
Manase, through her lawyer, informed the court that she would give sworn evidence and summon two witnesses.
It is alleged in count one that Manase between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2018, in Lusaka with intent to defraud or deceive, jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown, did without authority, make a document namely the Joint Examination for School Certificate and GOB.
In count two, Manase between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2018, in Lusaka jointly and whilst acting together with other’s unknown did knowingly and fraudulently utter a false document namely, the Joint Examination for School Certificate and GCE to the University of Zambia, purporting to have been made by the Examination Council of Zambia (ECZ) when in fact not.
In count three, Manase on between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2018 in Lusaka jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown, with intent to deceive or defraud, did without authority make a false document namely, the General Certificate of Education.
In count four, Manase is between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2018, in Lusaka jointly and whist acting together with other persons unknown, did knowingly and fraudulently utter a false document namely the General Certificate of Education to the University of Zambia purporting to have been made by the Examination Council of Zambia when in fact not. The court has since set May 19, 2023 as date for commencement of defence.
