Caroline Savala mute to prosecution evidence on cashgate: Sentencing adjourned

Cashgate convict, Caroline Savala has spoken nothing relating to evidence brought by prosecution that she was aware that she was “cashgating” immediately after her company certificate was borrowed by Leonard Kalonga and decided to remain mute in almost all the question State Prosecutor Kamudoni Nyasulu posed to her.

The case was back in court Friday where prosecution was trying to prove that Savala was aware that she was stealing public money by lending her company certificate to Kalonga, former deputy director of tourism.

Savala, who was found guilty of siphoning K84 million, appeared before Justice Fiona Mwale from prison remand looking in good spirit unlike last sitting of court when she cried as she was explaining how her company certificate was used to siphon government money and consequent revocation of her bail.

During last sitting, Savala requested court to be lenient to her guilty plea on grounds that she was not aware that Kalonga would use it to steal government money.

In her testimony, Savala denied to have taken part in the cashgate but admitted that she found herself in the affair because Kalonga had used her.

But on Friday, the state brought objective material evidence in form of documents to prove that it could not have been just Kalonga using her since her own certificate was used yet she had responsibility under that certificate.

Questions posed to her by prosecutor Kamudoni Nyasulu during cross examination centred on finding out from Savala if she carried out her responsibilities and obligations as a certified contractor. However, she chose not to say anything.

“I choose not to say anything” maintained Savala to almost all the questions

She remained silent on questions: whether National Construction Industry Council legislations allowed her to lend someone her company certificates; if she had relevant equipment to do the work of construction; whether she knew if Kalonga had certificates or any equipments for construction; and even if she had any knowledge of sites where Leonard Kalonga was going to do the alleged construction works from tenders which he allegedly told her that he won from government.

Meanwhile , the case has been adjourned to a later date where defence is expected to bring two character witnesses; Leonard Kalonga and a church pastor.

Savala was being represented by lawyer, Tisilila Kaphamtengo who acted as agent of lawyer Raphael Kasambara who is reportedly sick, suffering from high blood pressure.

The agent lawyer did not re-examine Savala saying he knows nothing in this case.

In an interview, he described Savala’s silence as good position to prevent self incrimination.

He therefore justified defence application that Savala be allowed not to answer any questions where she would be incriminating herself.

Kaphamtengo explained that some of the questions would have lead to new more offenses other than present case which includes possibly offense of offending National Construction Industry Council legislations.

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