Anti-graft agency arrests 18 top officials of Finance Ministry over alleged theft of public funds

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has arrested 18 individuals allegedly involved in a financial scandal at the Ministry of Finance in investigations which is currently underway.

ACC Head, Corporate Communications, Timothy Moono, said investigations border on payments made for fictitious activities and theft of public funds.

Moono named those arrested as Auditor-General, Dick Sichembe, Former Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba, Accountant General Kennedy
Musonda, two Deputy Auditor-Generals namely Clara Mazumba and Francis Mbewe.

Others arrested are Director for Budget and Economic Affairs Chomba Kabwe, Director for Policy and Research Fides Mulenga, Principal Accountant Elijah Manunga, Director for Internal Audit Norah Mwila Sichilongo, Director for Local Government and Projects Mumba Bwalya.

Senior Accountant Edward Zimbizi, Principal for Budget Analysis Medson Moyo, Accountant Angela Bwalya, Controller of Internal Audit Chibwe Nobert Mulonda, and Chief Accountant for Policy, Research and Standards Barabina Mumba.

“The Commission wishes to state that it is not targeting any person at the Ministry of Finance,” he stated.

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Moono assured the investigations were purely professional and based on information of alleged abuse of office and theft of public funds perpetrated by named individuals.

The Commission has further clarified that some individuals have voluntarily offered to pay back the funds they illegally received.

He said this is provided for under Section 80 of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012.

Moono stated that ACC had subsequently restricted several bank accounts held by individuals suspected to be involved in this saga as part of ongoing investigations.

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