The Anti- Corruption Commission ACC in Chipata has arrested two government officers serving in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and Ministry of Community Development, Mother and Child Health, for corrupt practices.
ACC Public Relations Manager Timothy Moono has confirmed the arrests of Veronica Daka 54 of plot number 5065, Moth Extension, Chipata and Joseph Lungu 35 of Plot number 666A, Moth Extension in Chipata.
Mr. Moono says that the duo has been charged with three counts of Corrupt Acquisition of Public Property and Revenue, and one count of Uttering False documents contrary to the Laws of Zambia.
In a statement availed to Breeze News, Mr. Moono further says that Daka is currently the Senior Executive Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock whilst Lungu is currently a Human Resource Development Officer in the Ministry of Community Development, Mother and Child Health.
Mr Moono says offences were committed when Ms Daka and Mr Lungu served at Provincial Administration as Chief Personnel Officer and Acting Chief Human Resource Development Officer respectively.
Particulars of the offence are that in count one, Ms Daka and Mr Lungu on dates unknown but between September, 2011 and June, 2012 jointly and whilst working together with other persons unknown fraudulently or unlawfully acquired public revenue amounting to 6, 969.5 Kwacha purporting to have used 11, 060 Kwacha on the conference facilities and meals for a workshop when in fact only 4, 091 Kwacha was used.
In count two, Ms. Daka and Mr Lungu on dates unknown but between September, 2011 and June, 2012 whilst working as Chief Personnel Officer and Acting Chief Human Resource Development Officer jointly and whilst working together with other persons unknown fraudulently or unlawfully acquired public revenue amounting to 3, 000 Kwacha purporting to have used the said money for the purchase of fuel when in fact not.
In count three, Ms Daka and Mr Lungu on dates unknown but between September, 2011 and June, 2012 whilst working together with other persons unknown fraudulently or unlawfully acquired public revenue amounting to 1,800 Kwacha purporting to have used the said money to purchase toner when in fact not.
In count four, Ms Daka and Mr Lungu on dates unknown but between September, 2011 and June, 2012 jointly and whilst working together with other persons unknown knowingly and fraudulently uttered false documents namely receipts from various business entities with intent to deceive the Eastern Province Provincial Administration.
The duo has since been released on bond awaiting appearance in court.
Meanwhile, former Southern Province Permanent Secretary, Gladys Zaloumis Kristafor has been arrested by the Government Joint Investigations Team for abuse of authority of office and willful failure to comply with procurement procedures involving 997, 600 Kwacha.
Mrs. Kristafor, 54, was arrested yesterday and charged with one count of willful failure to comply with any law or applicable procedure or guidelines relating to procurement and tendering of contracts contrary to the Anti- Corruption Act No 38 of 2010.
Mr Moono says Mrs Kristafor was also charged with one count of Abuse of authority of office contrary to the Laws of Zambia.