A 23-year-old woman identified as Esther Mbewe, has been detained by police in Mwanya Chiefdom of Lumezi District for alleged theft of K24, 260 Constituency Development Fund CDF empowerment grants.
The suspect who is also Kalaba Youth Cooperative Treasurer, was reported to police by Lumezi Town Council Assistant Public Relations Officer, Ivin Muyumbwa for allegedly withdrawing K27, 000 from a named bank, proceeds of the Cooperative’s 2024 CDF empowerment grant but only declared K14, 000 to the membership.
In a statement to RCV News in Lusaka today, Mr. Muyumbwa said the Council made a direct payment of K11,260 to a supplier of the poultry products, as selected by the cooperative, however, none of the paid for inputs have been delivered by the suspect.
“The suspect is alleged to have given her husband who is not a member of the Cooperative K13, 000, combined with the non-delivery of poultry products costing K11,260, the suspect is accused of theft of CDF grant totaling K24,260, said Mr. Muyumbwa.
He said the suspect is awaiting formal charges and subsequent appearance in court if the missing funds are not recovered in full while further investigations are ongoing.
Mr. Muyumbwa has warned CDF empowerment beneficiaries that CDF funds are meant to improve their livelihood and should not be subjected to any form of abuse by any beneficiary.
He has also urged Ward Development Committees to be proactive in monitoring utilization of the CDF funds by all beneficiaries in their respective wards and report any irregularities to the Council for appropriate action.
Elizabeth Mutale
