18 officials arrested at Ministry of Finance

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

The investigations border on payments made for fictitious activities and theft of public funds.

ACC Head of Corporate Communication Timothy Moono said among those arrested include the Auditor-General Dr. 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 and Controller of Internal Audit Chibwe Nobert Mulonda.

“The Commission wishes to state that it is not targeting any person at the Ministry of Finance. The investigations are purely professional and based on information of alleged abuse of office and theft of public funds perpetrated by named individuals,” he said.

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

“This is provided for under Section 80 of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012,” he said.

Moono said the Commission has subsequently restricted several bank accounts held by individuals suspected to be involved in this saga as part of on-going investigations.