Lusaka Court: Mukandila Forgery Trial Faces PACRA Photocopies Admissibility Dispute

• The forgery trial of lawyer and politician Celestine Mukandila commenced on November 6, 2026, at the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court.
• Mukandila is accused of forging company documents related to ZRIMS Farm Limited.
• The prosecution called two witnesses during the initial proceedings.
• A significant evidentiary dispute has arisen concerning the admissibility of photocopies obtained from PACRA.
• The court's decision on the PACRA photocopies could establish important precedents for documentary evidence in Zambian legal proceedings.

A key point of contention emerged regarding the use of photocopies obtained from the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA), which has initiated an evidentiary dispute that will be central to the court's deliberations.

The Lusaka Magistrates’ Court recently saw the commencement of the forgery trial involving Celestine Mukandila, who serves as both a lawyer and the Secretary General for the Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance. The proceedings began on November 6, 2026, focusing on allegations of forged company documents pertinent to ZRIMS Farm Limited.

During the initial phase of the trial, the prosecution presented its case by calling two witnesses to testify. However, the proceedings quickly encountered a significant legal hurdle concerning the admissibility of evidence. A key point of contention emerged regarding the use of photocopies obtained from the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA), which has initiated an evidentiary dispute that will be central to the court's deliberations.

The dispute over PACRA photocopies highlights a critical aspect of Zambian evidence law, particularly concerning the authentication and admissibility of documentary evidence in court. In cases of alleged forgery, the authenticity of documents is paramount, and the legal standard for accepting copies versus original instruments often becomes a decisive factor. PACRA, as the official repository for company registration documents, holds original records that are crucial for verifying corporate existence and transactions.

The outcome of the Celestine Mukandila trial, particularly the court's ruling on the admissibility of the PACRA photocopies, carries significant implications for legal professionals and compliance officers throughout Zambia. A definitive decision on this matter will clarify the evidentiary weight and acceptability of reproduced company documents, potentially influencing how corporate records are managed, presented, and contested in court.

This specific Mukandila forgery trial involving PACRA photocopies underscores the necessity for rigorous adherence to evidentiary rules, especially when dealing with official company registration documents. The court's determination will not only impact the immediate case but could also establish a benchmark for future cases involving alleged corporate malfeasance and the reliance on photocopied evidence in Zambian courts.

Lawyers and compliance officers should closely monitor the outcome of this evidence battle regarding PACRA photocopies, as the court's ruling on their admissibility could establish important precedents for evidentiary standards concerning company documents in Zambian courts, impacting how corporate records are presented and challenged in future litigation.

Source: Original reporting via The Zambian Observer