Ackson Tembo now faces charge of theft by agent

By LUCY PHIRI

ACKSON Tembo, proprietor of ACK General Suppliers who was recently acquitted in the matter he was jointly charged with former Industrial Development Corporation boss and officers from the Defence Ministry for the charge of attempting to export mukula logs has appeared in the Lusaka Magistrate Court for the charge of theft by agent.
Tembo is said to have stolen six containers of Mukula valued at over K1 million.
Tembo pleaded not guilty to three counts of theft by agent contrary to Section 280 (b) of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.
It is alleged that Tembo on an unknown date but between June 14, 2017 and September 20, 2017 in Lusaka stole six containers of mukula timber valued at K1, 800, 000 which was entrusted to him by Pena Osembe Alumba to sell on his behalf and return the proceeds thereof.
It is alleged in count two that Tembo on June 14, 2017 in Lusaka stole U$22, 000 entrusted to him by Alumba as payment for transportation of six mukula timber containers from Lusaka to South Africa.
In the last count, Tembo is alleged on June 29, 2017 in Lusaka to have stolen U$40, 000 entrusted to him by Alumba as payment for shipment.
The court adjourned the matter to January 13, 2025 for commencement of trial.