A Diamond TV investigation has uncovered a major payroll scandal at the Chipata City Council where two senior officers convicted of corruption continued receiving full salaries months into their prison sentences, costing taxpayers nearly K93, 000.
Official documents reveal that former Town Clerk Aaron Kamalondo and former Head of Procurement Harriet Kamuchungu Mwape were convicted on October 6, 2025, for willful failure to comply with applicable law and procedure of procurement.
Mr. Kamalondo was sentenced to twelve months’ imprisonment, while Hariet Mwape to eight months imprisonment.
Despite their incarceration, both remained on the payroll.
According to payroll records show that between November and December 2025 alone, the council paid the convicted duo a combined gross salary of K92,818.
Mr. Kamalondo pocketed over K57, 000 while Hariet Mwape received over K35, 000.
This directly violates the Conditions of Service for Local Government Officers, which mandate summary dismissal for any officer imprisoned beyond one month without the option of a fine.
In a letter dated May 2026 seen by Diamond TV, Commission Secretary Maurice Hichilema confirmed Kamalondo’s summary dismissal, backdated to October seventh, 2025 a day after his conviction.
The letter orders recovery of all salaries paid after that date from his terminal benefits.
An internal memo from the Director of Human Resource, Reuben Simfukwe dated May 12 directs the Finance Department to finally remove Mr. Kamalondo and Hariet Mwape from the May 2026 payroll. It states recoveries must come from his accrued leave days.
By Samuel Khwawe
