Livingstone Mayor, Constance Muleabai, has been found with a case to answer in a corruption matter before the Livingstone Magistrates’ Court.
The Mayor is accused of soliciting and receiving large sums of money in exchange for the cancellation of property rates owed to the council.
According to court documents, Muleabai faces two counts of corrupt practices. In the first count, she is alleged to have solicited K120,000 from Monde Sumbwa, who is a state witness in the case. The second count alleges that she later received K180,000. Both transactions are linked to the cancellation of property rates amounting to over K300,000 owed to the Livingstone City Council.
Mayor Muleabai has denied the allegations, stating that she neither solicited nor received any money, and described the accusations as unfounded.
After reviewing the testimonies presented, the court ruled that a prima facie case had been established and placed the Mayor on her defence. She will now be required to present her side of the case, either by testifying personally, calling witnesses, or both.
The case has generated significant public interest in Livingstone due to Muleabai’s position and the potential implications for the credibility of the City Council. Observers note that the proceedings could impact public confidence in the council’s governance and financial management.
The trial is set to continue in the coming weeks with the opening of the defence.
