The Mpika Magistrates Court has sentenced two former Ministry of Health Officials to six (6) years imprisonment with hard labour for theft by public servant.
Resident Magistrate Hon. Felix Kaoma found Fundi Simwanda, a former Assistant Accountant, and Derick Lukonde, a former purchasing and supplies officer in the Ministry of health guilty on four (4) counts of theft by public servant involving over K 30, 000 contrary to Section 272 and 277 of Cap 87 of the laws of Zambia.
In Count one, the duo, on unknown dates but between 1st January 2010 and 30th June 2010 in Mpika, being public officers in the Ministry of health, jointly and whilst acting together, stole K 5, 240 on Cheque No. 4597 the property of the Government of the Republic of Zambia which came into their possession by virtue of their employment. They were each sentenced to 12 months imprisonment with labour on this count.
In Count two, Simwanda and Lukonde were found guilty of theft of K, 5000 on cheque No. 4568, property of the government of the Republic of Zambia and sentenced to 24 months imprisonment with hard labour.
In the third Count, they were found guilty of theft of K9, 988 on cheque No. 779, property of the government of the Republic of Zambia and sentenced to 24 months imprisonment with hard labour.
In Count four, Simwanda and Lukonde were convicted of stealing K 10, 400 on receipt No. 1429 property of the government of the Republic of Zambia and they were sentenced to 24 months imprisonment with hard labour on this count.
The sentences will run consecutively with effect from 29th August 2019, and the duo will each spend a total of 6 years in prison for their crimes.
Further to their sentencing, the Court entered a civil judgment in the matter in which the duo was ordered to pay back the amounts stolen as stated in the individual counts. The total amount to be paid to the State is K 30, 628. Simwanda and Lukonde were arrested by the Commission in 2013.
