Police confirm suspension of 20 ministry of health workers

Twenty Ministry of Health employees connected with the financial scam involving over K10 billion have been suspended as a joint team of security officers from Zambia Police, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) May 27 forcefully removed some of the officers from their offices.

Commissioner of Police Graphael Musamba confirmed May 27 that law enforcement officers were overseeing suspension letters served on over 20 Ministry of Health employees suspected to be involved in the theft of K10 billion. At a briefing in Lusaka Musamba said the suspensions are to facilitate investigations into the alleged embezzlement of funds. He said the suspended officials will be required to assist with investigations.

And asked when arrests will be effected, Musamba said he cannot give a time frame because investigations are still going on and the officers are getting more evidence.
He said the charges likely to be slapped on the suspects range from obtaining money by false pretences to abuse of public office adding that warn and caution statements will soon be recorded from the suspects.

Earlier Police sealed off the Ministry of Health premises following President Banda’s directive that all civil servants or their agents mentioned in the K10 billion theft, should not be allowed to enter the premises. At 08:00 hours several police officers and officers from the Office of the President Special Division were screening workers and visitors before allowing them to enter the premises.

And Anti-Corruption Commission Acting Director General Rosewin Wandi said the Commission was also compiling a list of officers alleged to be involved in the K10 billion scam. She said the list will be handed over to Secretary to the Cabinet Joshua Kanganja during the course of this week.