Former Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Administration, Kennedy Malama, has denied terminating a contract with Savenda Management Services for the supply of 50 basic life support ambulances, while questioning evidence presented by prosecution witnesses in his defence.
Malama, who is charged alongside seven other former ministry officials with abuse of authority of office and wilful failure to comply with applicable law and procedure in the procurement of the ambulances, told the court that he never terminated the contract.
“At no point did I terminate the contract between the Ministry of Health and Savenda Management Services. I never terminated this contract,” he said.
Malama challenged testimony by Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA) officer Gilbert Mbewe, who told the court that he did not know the background to the alleged termination and had never been asked to review documents to give an opinion on the matter.
He said Mbewe had testified that his engagement with Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) officers on March 5, 2018, concerned procurement procedures, including contract termination, but did not involve an assessment of the disputed contract.
Malama noted that the alleged termination letter was dated November 8, 2018, several months after Mbewe’s engagement with the ACC.
He further said Mbewe had denied knowing whether he personally terminated the contract and could not confirm that the letter constituted a termination.
Malama also questioned why he was before the court, citing testimony by prosecuting officer Milimo Ngandu, who said he had arrested the other accused persons but had not arrested him.
The matter was adjourned to December 10 and 11 after the court granted an adjournment following an application by lawyer Muzaza Nthele, who said his client was unwell and required urgent medical attention.
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