By JIMMY CHIBUYE
FORMER deputy High Commissioner to India Andrew Banda yesterday told the Lusaka Magistrate’s Court that Italian businessman Antonello Locci betrayed him to secure his freedom.
Andrew, who is also former first secretary for political affairs at the Zambian mission in Italy, said he “feels extremely betrayed” by Mr Locci’s testimony that he was forced to sign the contract for the payment of a two percent commission on contracts.
The former diplomat was testifying in a case in which he is charged with one count of gratification for giving assistance on contracts, contrary to the laws of Zambia.
Andrew, son of former President Rupiah Banda, said he is surprised that despite considering Mr Locci as a “father and dear friend”, the Italian businessman testified against him to secure freedom.
“These charges of gratification have taught me that human nature and friends can betray you when things get sour… I am surprised that a person I considered a father, grandfather of my children and a father of my wife testified that I forced him to sign the documents just to secure his freedom,” he said.
“I wish Mr Locci and everyone who wants to see me convicted well. This is something I did not do and may God forgive them,” he added.
He said this when the matter came up for continued hearing before chief resident magistrate Joshua Banda.
The case is being prosecuted by Director of Public Prosecutions Mutembo Nchito.
He said it is treacherous for Mr Locci to testify that he was forced to sign the two percent agreement on contracts.
Andrew said he meant well in his deals with Mr Locci because he did not want to harm Government.
He said he cannot be convicted on speculation and that he did not force or prevail on the Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA), Road Development Agency (RDA) and Government ministries to award road contracts to Fratelli Locci.
Andrew said he is still waiting for witnesses from ZPPA, RDA or Government ministries to testify that he used his position as the President’s son to influence the awarding of a road contract to Mr Locci’s company.
He said he did well not to introduce Mr Locci to the government because he would have been embarrassed by his alleged treacherous behaviour.
He said his company, AB Logistics, did not appear to benefit from Mr Locci’s company as it had been in existence even before he (Andrew) met the Italian businessman.
It is alleged that Andrew, being first secretary at the Zambian Embassy in Italy at the time and later deputy high commissioner to India, solicited and agreed to receive two percent of all the money paid to Fratelli Locci SRI by RDA.
The matter will come up for continued hearing on June 4, 2013.
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