THE Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has arrested and charged Katete Town Council Secretary for Everty Ng’andu for corrupt practices.
Ms. Ng’andu stands accused of utilizing council property, including a frontend loader, tipper truck, tractors, and labor resources, for her personal benefit without complying with the necessary fees and procedures.
The misuse of public resources is alleged to have been arbitrary and detrimental to the interests of the Sinazongwe Council, a public institution.
Ms Ng’andu, 50, of plot number 2050 Ibex Hill, Lusaka has been charged with one count of Abuse of Authority of Office and one count of Willful Failure to Comply with Applicable Procedure.
ACC head of corporate communication Timothy Moono said offences are alleged to have been committed in Sinazongwe District when Ng’andu served as Council Secretary.
“Details in the first offence are that between 1st May, 2019 and 31st May, 2019 in Sinazongwe District, Everty Ng’andu whilst serving in her capacity as Council Secretary for Sinazongwe Town Council, did abuse the authority of her office in the manner she used Council property being Frontend Loader, Tipper Truck, Tractors and man-power for personal use without paying the requisite fees, an act arbitrary and prejudicial to the interest of the Sinazongwe Council, a public body.
Details in the second offence are that on dates unknown but between 1st January, 2018 and 31st December, 2018 in Sinazongwe District, Ms Ng’andu whose
functions concern the management of public revenue, willfully failed to comply with applicable procedure relating to the procurement of a motor vehicle, namely Toyota Hilux, a matter or transaction involving Sinazongwe Council, a public body,” Mr Moono said.
Meanwhile, the Commission has also arrested and charged former Namwala Town Council Director of Works and the former Namwala Town Council Rural Water and Sanitation Coordinator for corruption involving over K200, 000.
Arthur Thole age 34, former Namwala Town Council Director of Works and Kennedy Chifokolo, age 40, former Namwala Town Council Rural Water and Sanitation Coordinator, have each been charged with two counts of corrupt practices.
“Thole has been charged with one count of corrupt acquisition of public revenue or property and one count of willful failure to comply with applicable procedure or guidelines relating to procurement.
Further, Kennedy Chifokolo has been charged with one count of corrupt acquisition of public revenue or property and one count of Conflict of Interest,” he said.
Mr Moono said it is alleged that Thole and Chifokolo facilitated the signing of a contract between Namwala Town Council and Geotechno Rock Rollers Limited for the rehabilitation of 28 dysfunctional hand pumps across 14 wards in Namwala, and fraudulently facilitated the payment of K220, 500 to Geotechno Rock Rollers Limited as advance payment in contravention of procurement guidelines and without due regard of the delivery of service.
He said Chifokolo as a member of the Tender Committee in the evaluation of bids for the selection and award of the same contract failed to disclose in writing his personal and private interest in Geotechno Rock Roller Limited, and did participate in the award of the contract to this particular company.
Mr Moono said all the three accused persons have been released on bond and will appear before court soon.
(Mwebantu, Monday, 4th September, 2023)
