By Ellen Hambuba
Two more officials at the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries have been arrested by the Anti-Corruption Commission -ACC.
This is in connection with the alleged misappropriation of funds under the Sustainable Livestock Infrastructure Management Project -SLIMP.
Those arrested are Director of Policy, Planning and Information SUCCEED MUBANGA, and Stores Officer CHANDA MULENGA.
The Commission says investigations have revealed that part of the 10 million US dollar project funds meant for livestock infrastructure development were allegedly diverted through illegal transactions and property acquisitions.
Mr. MUBANGA, aged 49, faces four charges related to possession and concealment of property suspected to be proceeds of crime.
The suspected proceeds are valued at over 11 million kwacha and include a motor vehicle, government bond investments, and a house.
Ms. MULENGA, aged 33, faces three similar charges.
The suspected proceeds include a modern house in Kasama District.
The two have since been released on bond and are expected to appear in court soon.
Their arrest brings the total number of suspects in the SLIMP investigation to nine.
ACC Acting Head of Corporate Communications CHILUFYA CHISANGA says the Commission remains committed to protecting public resources.
Ms. CHISANGA has told ZNBC News in a statement that the Commission will continue to trace, restrict and recover assets believed to be proceeds of crime.
She said the Commission has since moved to restrict and seize several assets linked to the case adding that more arrests are expected to follow soon.
