LOCAL Government and Housing Deputy Minister, Steven Masumba, yesterday appeared in the Lusaka Magistrate's Court on charges of obtaining pecuniary advantage by false pretences.

Masumba was arrested on Monday by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in connection with illegally obtaining an accountancy Diploma from the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA).

He eventually got employed using the same papers with Lusaka Technical and Business College.

Masumba, 31, who is MMD Mufumbwe Member of Parliament (MP) of Ibex Hill in Lusaka, is being represented by Mutakela Lisimba from Lisimba and Company.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge before principal resident magistrate, Wilfred Muma.

According to particulars, between December 2005 and August 25, 2008 Masumba did dishonestly obtain employment as Accounts Clerk at Lusaka Business Technical College by falsely pretending that he held a qualification of Accounts Technician when in fact not.

Masumba who was accompanied by his wife told journalists outside the court that he was optimistic that justice would prevail.

The matter was adjourned to May 24 this year for trial.