No freedom yet for Viola and Chingola as ACB appeals against suspended sentences

Viola was recently convicted Viola for abuse of office contrary to section 268 (1) of the Corrupt Practices Act while Chongola was convicted for influencing a public officer to misuse a public office contrary to section 25B (2) of the Corruption Act.

On Monday, 27th February, 2023, Principal Resident Magistrate Viva Nyimba spelt out three years jail term for each before suspending them to two years on the basis that the duo did not make economic benefit from the transaction.

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Viola – a former National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) Deputy Chief Executive Officer – told journalists outside the court that he was not ‘angry with the sentence’ and that he would do everything to ensure he gets the right remedies for his alleged ‘politically motivated arrest’.

But barely before he could start assembling legal luminaries, documents and evidence in support of his claim for justice, ACB issued a statement to notify the public about its intention to challenge the suspended sentences at the High Court.

In the statement, ACB Principal Public Relations Officer Egrita Ndala said the Bureau office is not satisfied with the sentence given to the duo.

“The Bureau will appeal against a sentence,” she said.

There was no immediate comment from Viola and Chingola.