Wednesday 4th February 2026 TI-Z Statement on the Acquittal of the Livingstone Mayor And Implications for Public integrity Wednesday 4th February 2026

By Maurice K. Nyambe (Mr.)
Executive Director

Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has taken note of the judgment delivered by the Subordinate Court in Livingstone in the matter involving the Mayor of Livingstone City Council, in which the court acquitted the accused on charges of corrupt practices with a private body.
TI-Z acknowledges and respects the decision of the court, which was grounded on established principles of criminal justice, particularly the requirement that the prosecution must prove every element of an offence beyond reasonable doubt. As the court correctly held, discrepancies between the particulars of the charge and the evidence presented created reasonable doubt, which was resolved in favour of the accused.
However, while the legal outcome of the matter has been determined, TI-Z is concerned about the serious integrity questions that arise from the facts as established by the court itself. Notably, the judgment confirmed that the Mayor, in her official capacity, received a substantial sum of money amounting to K180,000 as cash gratification in connection with a transaction involving the remission of property rates owed to a local authority.

From an integrity and accountability standpoint, the receipt of such funds by a public office bearer – regardless of the technical shortcomings in the prosecution’s case – raises legitimate public concern. Public officials are entrusted with authority to serve the public interest, and their conduct must always meet the highest ethical standards. Integrity is not
For more details, get in touch with the TI-Z Communications Officer, Ms. Zanji Valerie Sinkala on zsinkala@tizambia.org.zm

tested only by what is criminally punishable, but by whether an official’s actions inspire public confidence and uphold the values of honesty, impartiality, and transparency.
TI-Z therefore emphasizes that acquittal on legal grounds does not automatically equate to ethical clearance. The confirmed receipt of money connected to an official function place the integrity of the office in question and undermines public trust in local governance institutions. Such situations highlight the importance of robust ethical safeguards, effective internal controls, and proactive accountability mechanisms within public institutions. Given the circumstances of this case as observed by the Court, we find it difficult to comprehend why, from an ethical point of view, the Mayor should continue holding office, notwithstanding that she has been cleared on the legal side. Where one’s public conduct has been found to be corrupt as observed by the Court, one should have the decency to resign on account that they will no longer be able to inspire public confidence as regards their conduct in that office.
This case further highlights the need for strengthened investigative and prosecutorial processes, including the careful framing of charges and alignment of indictments with available evidence, to ensure that corruption cases are not lost on procedural or technical grounds. The integrity of the anti-corruption fight depends not only on judicial independence but also on the competence and diligence of investigative and prosecutorial agencies.

TI-Z therefore calls upon the UPND administration to strengthen the technical and financial capacity of law enforcement and prosecution agencies. A balanced and effective fight against corruption should embrace both effective criminal convictions and preventive measures. TI-Z will continue to advocate for stronger integrity frameworks, accountability in public office, and reforms that ensure corruption is addressed both legally and ethically, in the best interest of the Zambian people.

Maurice K. Nyambe (Mr.)
Executive Director

For more details, get in touch with the TI-Z Communications Officer, Ms. Zanji Valerie Sinkala on zsinkala@tizambia.org.zm