he latest Auditor General’s report has revealed a significant financial loss for the Zambian government due to negligence and failure of public officers to perform their duties within the Ministry of Justice.
Between 2017 and 2023, the Ministry paid a total of K9.4 million in court judgments as a result of these lapses. The report further highlights that the total losses incurred by the government from these court judgments amounted to K11.2 million.
Despite these substantial losses, the Auditor General’s report indicates that as of August 31, 2024, no concrete steps have been taken to recover the funds from the responsible public officers. This oversight raises serious concerns about accountability and transparency within the Ministry of Justice.
The report’s findings shed light on the financial implications of negligence within government departments and emphasize the need for stricter measures to prevent such losses in the future. It calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding each court judgment and the implementation of disciplinary actions against the responsible individuals.
The Auditor General’s office has urged the Ministry of Justice to take immediate action to recover the lost funds and to implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The report also recommends strengthening internal controls and accountability mechanisms within the Ministry to ensure greater financial responsibility and efficiency.
This revelation is expected to spark debate and calls for increased transparency and accountability within the Zambian government. It remains to be seen how the Ministry of Justice will respond to the Auditor General’s findings and what steps will be taken to address the financial losses incurred.
By Best Jere