Jailed Bowman Lusambo Seeks Bail to Support Family and Appeal Corruption Conviction
In a compelling move, jailed former Lusaka Province Minister, Bowman Lusambo, has requested the Economic and Financial Crimes Court to grant him bail while his appeal against his conviction is pending. Lusambo, who was sentenced to four years of hard labor on November 8, 2024, for corruption-related charges including tax evasion, corrupt acquisition of public property, and possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime, is seeking to secure his release on humanitarian grounds.
Lusambo’s renewed bail application comes with a promise not to pose any threat to public peace if granted bail. The former minister, who is currently serving his sentence at Mwembeshi Maximum Correctional Facility, is urging the court to admit him to bail so he can financially support his wife, who is in urgent need of medical care, and provide for his children during this challenging time.
“I am the breadwinner of my family, and my wife’s medical needs make it impossible for her to care for the family. The younger children especially rely on my financial support,” Lusambo explained in his affidavit, which accompanies his bail application.
The disgraced former minister has expressed his dissatisfaction with the judgment and highlighted the high prospects of success in his appeal. Lusambo’s appeal raises significant legal questions, particularly regarding the interpretation of tax evasion laws in property transactions. He claims that the lower court’s evaluation of the evidence was flawed, alleging that the court favored the prosecution’s case while dismissing his evidence, which he asserts would have significantly impacted the case.
“Should I be granted bail pending appeal, I believe I will adhere to all the bail conditions set by the Court. I assure the state that I will not pose any threat to society, as the offences I have been convicted of are related to personal property matters and are not likely to disturb the peace,” Lusambo stated in his application.
Bowman Lusambo, who is commonly known as “The Bulldozer” for his aggressive political style, maintains that his legal case raises crucial issues related to property ownership and the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act, which he believes should benefit the public and provide legal clarity.
In his bid for bail, Lusambo has also promised to provide traceable and credible sureties, pledging to attend court hearings as required. He emphasized that his application for bail is not frivolous or intended to abuse the court process, but is instead motivated by his need to care for his family while appealing his conviction.
Lusambo’s case has drawn significant attention in Zambia, as his appeal progresses through the courts. The outcome of his renewed bail application could have wider implications on the legal interpretations of corruption-related charges in the country.
As the legal process unfolds, the people of Zambia continue to watch closely, as this case not only involves a high-profile political figure but also raises important questions regarding justice, fairness, and the treatment of family responsibilities within the judicial system.
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