SIMON MUNTEMBA writes
@SunZambian
TWO former Ministry of Health officials have been jailed to six years with hard labour by Mpika Magistrates Court in four counts of corrupt practices involving K30,000
Resident Magistrate Felix Kaoma sent to prison Fundi Simwanda, a former assistant accountant, and Derrick Lukonde, a former purchasing and supplies officer after he found them guilty on four counts of theft by public servant.
According to Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) corporate affairs officer Jonathan Siame, in count one, the duo, on unknown dates but between January 1, 2010 and June 30, in Mpika, being public officers in the Ministry of health, while acting together, stole K 5, 240 on Cheque No. 4597 the property of Zambia which came into their possession by virtue of their employment.
In a statement Mr Siame said in count two Simwanda and Lukonde were found guilty of stealing K5,000 on cheque No. 4568, property of the government of Zambia and sentenced to 24 months imprisonment with hard labour.
He said in the third count, the duo were found guilty of theft of K9, 988 on cheque No. 779, property of the government of Zambia and sentenced to 24 months imprisonment with hard labour.
In count four Simwanda and Lukonde were convicted of stealing K 10, 400 on receipt No. 1429 property of the government of Zambia and they were sentenced to 24 months imprisonment with hard labour on this count.
“The sentences will run consecutively with effect from August 29, 2019, and the duo will each spend a total of 6 years in prison for their crimes.
Further to their sentencing, the court entered a civil judgment in the matter in which the duo was ordered to pay back the amounts stolen in the individual counts.
Mr Siame said Simwanda and Lukonde were arrested by the commission in 2013.
