The Ndola Magistrate Court has charged former Defence Minister George Mpombo with one count of issuing a dishonoured cheque amounting to K10 million.

Appearing before Ndola Chief Resident Magistrate Kelvin Limbani, and facing one count of issuing a dishonoured cheque contrary to section 33 sub-section 01 of the National Payment Act of the Penal Code of the Laws of Zambia was George Mpombo, 55, a farmer of 05 Katonte Farms in Masaiti.

Magistrate Limbani said the facts of the offence were that on 18th December 2009, Mpombo with intent to defraud issued a cheque to Colwyn Limited of K10 million on an insufficiently funded account at Standard Chartered Bank, which rendered it defraud.

When asked to take his plea, Mr Mpombo pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate Limbani adjourned the case to March 17, 2010 for the commencement of Trial and March 5, 2010 for Mention.

The former Defence minister had initially preferred to have the deliberations of the Court proceedings translated in Lamba but failed due to non availability of a Lamba interpreter in Court,

The Magistrate further granted an application by Defence Counsel Bonaventure Mutale to dispense the personal attendance of the accused during Mention on March 5, 2010.
He explained that the accused would be involved in Parliamentary duties since Parliament would be in session at that particular time, adding that the accused was an Area Member of Parliament for Kafulafuta constituency.

Magistrate Limbani further extended Mr Mpombo’s police bond.

ZANIS