Auditor General arrested for corruption

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has arrested and charged Auditor General Dr. Dick Sichembe for corrupt practices involving over K1million.

Dr. Dick Chellah Sichembe 52, of plot number A23 Miracle Lane Roma, Lusaka has been charged with one (1) count of Obtaining Goods by False Pretences Contrary to Section 309 of the Penal Code, Cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia, one (1) Count of Conspiracy to Defraud the Government of the Republic of Zambia Contrary to Section 313 of the Penal Code, Cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia and one (1) count of Willful Failure to Follow Applicable Procedures Contrary to Section 34 of the Anti-Corruption Act No.3 of 2012.

In a statement by ACC Head- Corporate Communications Timothy Moono, Dr. Sichembe has further been charged with one (1) count of Theft by Servant Contrary to Section 278 as read with Section 272 of the Penal Code Cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

Timothy said details are that on dates unknown but between 1st January, 2018 and 31st December,2021 in Lusaka District, Dr. Sichembe jointly and whilst acting together with other persons, whilst serving in his capacity as Accountant General at the Ministry of Finance and subsequently as Auditor General at the Office of the Auditor General, did receive various payments for fictitious activities purporting that all activities were actualized and performed when in fact not to which he received an accumulated sum of K1,160, 639.57 in allowances (exclusive of salaries), acts prejudicial to the rights and interests of the Government of the Republic of Zambia.

Dr. Sichembe has since been released on bond and will appear before court soon, he said.