- Trio allegedly stole funds intended for SCT programme
MATHEWS MALAZIKA
Lusaka
THE Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has arrested and charged three officials from the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services in Itezhi-Tezhi District for allegedly stealing over K16.7 million intended for the vital Social Cash Transfer programme.
The suspects include district social welfare officer Goretty Moonga, 39, alongside assistant social welfare officers Humphrey Chikwasha, 33, and Anderson Ngulube, 40.
According to ACC head of corporate communication Joseph Mwenya, the trio orchestrated the theft through fraudulent cash withdrawals from the Itezhi Tezhi District Welfare Assistance Committee account held at a local bank between February 1 and April 30, 2026.
Investigations revealed that Mr Moonga allegedly stole K6 million, Mr Chikwasha made unauthorised withdrawals amounting to K5,574,400, and Mr Ngulube took K5,219,600.
The officials falsely purported that the funds were required for official Social Cash Transfer activities.
Instead, the stolen money – which constituted property of the Zambian government and came into their possession by virtue of their employment – was funnelled into acquiring and maintaining various assets, including real estate and motor vehicles.
Mr Mwenya confirmed that these properties have since been restricted by the commission pending further legal proceedings.
The suspects are expected to appear in court soon to answer to the charges.
Mr Mwenya issued a strong warning that individuals who abuse their public positions for personal gain will be thoroughly investigated and face the full force of the law.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Permanent Secretary Angela Kawandami has welcomed the arrests and subsequent charges against the trio.
Ms Kawandami reaffirmed the institution’s zero-tolerance policy towards the misuse of public resources, particularly funds meant to uplift vulnerable and disadvantaged citizens.
She stated that the ministry has maintained full cooperation with ACC and other law enforcement agencies, providing all necessary information to facilitate swift investigations.
Ms Kawandami assured Social Cash Transfer beneficiaries, the general public and international cooperating partners of the ministry’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the integrity, transparency and sustainability of Zambia’s social protection safety nets. https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home
