The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has arrested six more people including Ministry of Health former acting Permanent Secretary for Administration Dr. Sivah Kachimba in relation to alleged drug procurement malpractices.
Others arrested include several senior officials from the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supply Agency (ZAMMSA) and two directors of private companies.
Speaking during a joint media briefing in Lusaka today, the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), Zambia Police Service and Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) said these arrests are part of the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities within the health sector.
“This latest round of arrests brings the total number of individuals charged and detained in connection with the case to ten, including four people apprehended earlier this year,” said DEC Director General Nason Banda Mr. Banda.
Mr. Banda said the law enforcement agencies have expressed commitment to concluding the investigation and revisiting policy frameworks to prevent the recurrence of irregularities in medical supply services.
Meanwhile, Mr. Banda has announced that the Commission has successfully forfeited to the state properties in Chirundu District believed to be proceeds of crime.
He said among the seized assets are 9.5 hectares of land along the Zambezi River, 70 hectares near Chiwena School with existing structures, 10 hectares along the Siavonga Road, 43.1 hectares in Mwiingi Village near the Kafue River, and a 170-hectare farm adjacent to Zamtel Farm.
Mr. Banda said investigations revealed that the owner obtained 2000 hectares of land in Siavonga, which he divided into 250 hectares tracks of land and registered in various names, including his companies.
He further said efforts by the Commission are underway to initiate the forfeiture process for these additional properties.
By Margaret Mwanza
