By Mercy Matonga:
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has not taken action to comply with a recommendation by the Legal Affairs Committee of Parliament to reopen the criminal prosecution of Paramount Holdings.
The Daily Times understands that DPP Masauko Chamkakala has not responded to the committee’s recommendation following a hearing in May.
Lawmakers had instructed the DPP to reopen the case, which involves allegations of procurement fraud, within 30 days. This period expired on June 21 this year.
Both Ministry of Justice spokesperson Frank Namangale and Chamkakala did not respond to our inquiries on the issue.
However, in a separate interview, Legal Affairs Committee Chairperson Peter Dimba confirmed that the committee had not received any update on the case and that it is unaware of any progress made.
“We have fulfilled our part and now it is up to others to do theirs,” Dimba said.
Paramount Holdings Limited and its three directors were charged in relation to government procurement deals.
According to Parliament Standing Order 154, if someone fails to comply with the committee’s recommendations, the committee is required to report the matter to the House.
In July 2021, police arrested and charged Paramount Holdings’ three directors, Prakash Virji Ghedia, Arvindkumar Atit Patel and Suresh Khimji Jagatiya, along with the company itself, on three counts.
These charges included conspiracy to commit a felony under Section 404 of the Penal Code, as well as the creation and use of false documents to secure a contract.
However, in April this year, the DPP’s office withdrew the criminal charges against the three directors and the company on the ground that it did not have sound evidence.
Parliament summoned Chamkakala to explain the dropping of several cases.
Regarding the Paramount Holdings Ltd case, the committee recommended that the DPP’s office bring it back to court and reinstate charges.
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