FORMER Lands deputy minister Elijah Muchima yesterday appeared before a Mwinilunga magistrate's court.

Muchima was granted a KR3,000 bail and would appear on February 8, this year for mention.

Resident magistrate Kateule Chandi granted bail with two working sureties and warned against disturbing peace during court proceedings

Muchima, who is MMD Ikeleng'i Member of Parliament (MP), was arrested last Friday and is alleged to have introduced Build Tech Group of Companies and a consultant Urban Techniques to Mwinilunga District Council to construct a Civic Centre.

Build Tech is alleged to have been paid KR 900,000 to do the construction but did not do any work.

He denied the charged.

Muchuma is being represented by Gilbert Lungu of Muleza-Mwiimbu and Company.

Meanwhile, Mwinilung MP Steven Katuka has described Muchima's arrest as having been politically motivated.

Mr Katuka said this when he addressed supporters who came to show of solidarity.

ZANIS