ACC Hands over 6 Recovered Hammer mills to Local Government
The Anti-Corruption Commission has handed over Six (6) Hammer mills which were recovered from a corruption case to the Ministry of Local Government. The Hammer mills were forfeited to the State following a Court ruling in favour of the Commission in a matter involving abuse of authority of office and theft. The Anti-Corruption Commission commenced investigations in a corruption case involving alleged abuse of authority of office regarding the purchase of six hammer mills at K150 million (un-rebased) by the then Chibombo District Council using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
The hammer mills which were meant for empowerment of women clubs in Chisamba were diverted for personal use by the former Chisamba Member of Parliament and Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing Honourable Moses Muteteka. These hammer mills were given to Honourable Muteteka’s relatives and associates.
Speaking during the Handover ceremony held at the Anti-Corruption Commission Head Office today, Minister of Local Government Hon. Vincent Mwale commended the Anti-Corruption Commission for the gesture and for diligently handling the matter to its conclusion. Hon. Mwale expressed hope that in future, more cases of corruption would lead to repossession and proper disposal of recovered resources and assets. “Government is pleased that these hammermills are being handed back to the rightful owners, the people of Chisamba constituency, who would have been deprived because of greed and corruption.
This occasion, therefore, is a clear indication that our anti-corruption efforts as a country are not in vain. It is good to see proceeds of corruption being recovered and given back to the Zambian people”, he said.
And speaking earlier at the same event, ACC Deputy Director-General Mrs. Rosemary Khuzwayo said the battle to recover the stolen items was a well fought one. “The Commission faced challenges on this journey but soldiered on because we believe that the people of Zambia deserve justice to be done. You will agree with me that this is a clear case of greed and selfishness”, Mrs. Khuzwayo said.
She also urged public office holders to uphold integrity and ethical behavior in order to efficiently discharge public duties. “Let me take this opportunity to sternly warn the perpetrators of corruption especially public officials that the Commission will not tolerate any criminal behavior. We will investigate, prosecute and recover any assets illegally obtained”, she warned.
The Deputy Director-General also urged the Chisamba District Council, who were the final recipients of the Hammermills to ensure that the items reached the targeted audience and were used for their intended.
And speaking on behalf of the Chisamba District Council, Council Chairperson Titus Goma expressed gratitude that the Hammermills where being returned to the Constituency which they were originally intended to benefit. Mr. Goma said the people of Chisamba rejoiced to hear that Six Hammermills were being handed over to them by the Anti-Corruption Commission.
The Handover ceremony was attended by government officials, Anti-Corruption Commission staff, the media among others.