ACC ARRESTS MKUSHI EDUCATION OFFICIALS, BANK EMPLOYEES OVER K100,000 SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAMME CORRUPTION
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has arrested and charged two officials from the Mkushi District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) office and two bank employees over alleged corruption involving more than K100,000 under the Ministry of Education’s School Feeding Programme.
District Planning Officer Patrick Nkhuwa and Accounts Assistant Nakeempa Okello are accused of abusing their authority to facilitate the awarding of a K1,073,000 contract to supply over 350 bags of beans to Ichikwanka Multi-Purpose Cooperative, despite the cooperative not meeting the required government standards.
ACC Acting Head of Corporate Communications, Chilufya Chisanga says Investigations indicate that the officials allegedly received more than K100,000 in gratification from the cooperative’s Chairperson Dennis Charles Baines and Secretary Joseph Mwape in exchange for securing the contract.
ACC has since warned public officers against engaging in corrupt practices, particularly in programmes meant to benefit vulnerable groups such as learners.
Ms Chisanga adds that abuse of office and betrayal of public trust will not be tolerated and that the Commission remains resolute in pursuing, investigating and prosecuting all offenders regardless of their status in society.
By Victoria Kayeye Yambani
