The Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested three officials from the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services in Itezhi-Tezhi District for allegedly stealing over 16.7 million Kwacha meant for vulnerable Zambians under the Social Cash Transfer Programme.
The arrested officials have been identified as Goretty Moonga, aged 39, District Social Welfare Officer; Humphrey Chikwasha, aged 33, Assistant Social Welfare Officer; and Anderson Ngulube, aged 40, also an Assistant Social Welfare Officer – all based in Itezhi-Tezhi.
According to ACC Head of Corporate Communications Joseph Mwenya, the trio allegedly stole a total of 16.7 million Kwacha between 1st February and 30th April 2026.
The Commission alleges that the officials jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown, made cash withdrawals from the Itezhi-Tezhi District Welfare Assistance Committee Account held at a named local bank, purporting that the funds were for Social Cash Transfer activities when in fact they were not.
In this matter Goretty Moonga is alleged to have stolen 6 million Kwacha, Humphrey Chikwasha is alleged to have stolen 5.5 million Kwacha, and Anderson Ngulube is alleged to have stolen 5.2 million Kwacha.
The funds allegedly stolen were intended for the Social Cash Transfer Programme and were property of the Government of the Republic of Zambia, which came into the suspects’ possession by virtue of their employment.
The ACC has further disclosed that the trio allegedly used the stolen funds to acquire and maintain various properties, including real estate and motor vehicles, which have since been restricted by the Commission.
The three are expected to appear in court soon.
By Cecilia Kayaya Mporokoso
