Former Zambian Mines Minister, Maxwell Mwale, has been convicted for corruption after he improperly awarded prospecting licences to a Chinese mining company six years ago.

Delivering a judgement on Wednesday, Lusaka Magistrate said Mwale abused his authority of office when he interfered in the issuance of mining licences to Zhongui International Mining Industry Group Limited.

“The lightning speed at which the mining licences were been processed by the accused shows that he had personal interest in the acts and this is an indication enough that he abused his authority of office.

“This has left me with no reasonable doubt but to find accused guilty in count one and convict him accordingly,” said Lusaka Magistrate, Lameck Mwale.

The Judge said several witnesses testified that Mwale interfered in the licensing process for personal benefit and the Chinese company was subsequently awarded the licences.

Mwale who is already in remand prison will be sentenced on Friday. He faces the possibility of maximum jail term of 14 years.

In mitigation, Mwale’s lawyer Sakwiba Sikota said the court should consider giving him a non-custodial or a suspended sentence because he was remorseful and a family man.

Sikota said the conviction of Mwale had already grounded his career life as it has ended his public and political pursuits and has also closed doors to alternative employment opportunities.

By George Mpofu