ACC ARRESTS FOUR PUBLIC OFFICERS IN MAJOR CORRUPTION CASE
By: Cletus Mutoki
As part of ongoing investigations into the alleged misappropriation of part of a US$10 million loan facility, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has arrested and charged four public officers from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock for alleged corrupt practices.
The arrests form part of the US$10 million loan facility obtained by government from the African Development Bank (AfDB) in 2019 under the Strategic Livestock Investment and Management Project (SLIMP).
Speaking during a press briefing today, ACC Director-General Daphne Chabu disclosed that this brings the total number of suspects arrested in connection with the case to seven, as investigations continue.
The ACC has engaged the Office of the Auditor General to conduct a forensic audit of the Strategic Livestock Investment and Management Project loan in order to ascertain the full extent of the alleged abuse of public resources.
This process may result in the arrest of additional suspects.
Among those charged is Emmanuel Chilala (41), an accountant, facing multiple counts of corrupt acquisition, possession of suspected proceeds of crime, and concealment of property valued at over K36 million.
Ackim Dedeyo Mwalilino (32), Acting Livestock Research Production Officer, has been charged with diverting nearly K4.7 million and possessing properties and a vehicle worth K3.45 million.
Sharon Hikaumba (40), a stenographer and spouse to Chilala, has been charged with concealment of motor vehicles worth K1.5 million.
Also charged is Kabemba Mwambilwa (47), Assistant Director – Livestock Development, for possession of properties valued at K11.9 million.
Meanwhile, to date, the commission has restricted 37 properties, including 27 houses, three farms, and seven vehicles across the country.
The public has since been warned to refrain from corrupt practices and to avoid being in conflict with the law.
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