Charles Mushitu
CHARLES Mushitu, the Zambia Red Cross Society (ZRCS) secretary general, has been arrested for theft and Money laundering involving over K1.4 billion donor funds meant for water and sanitation in Southern Province.
He has also been charged with possessing a firearm without authority.
Mr Mushitu, 44, of plot number 31326 Chalala in Lusaka, has been arrested together with ZRCS finance manager Sydney Chituta, 31, of plot number 797 Chilenje township, for theft by clerk or servant contrary to Section 272 as read with Section 278 of the Penal Code, and for money laundering contrary to Section 7 of the Prohibition and Prevention of Money Laundering Act number 14 of 2001 of the Laws of Zambia.
Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) acting public relations officer Samuel Silomba has confirmed the arrest, which comes barely a month after the ZRCS board accused the Commission of witch-hunting Mr Mushitu.
“It is alleged that on dates unknown but between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2011, the duo did steal a total of K1.4 billion, funds which came into their possession by virtue of their office as secretary general and finance manager respectively,” Mr Silomba said in a statement yesterday.
The two suspects are believed to have acquired property which includes houses, cars and plots.
“Further, Mr Mushitu was found with an AK47 rifle with 30 rounds of ammunition without authority and he has since been charged with being in possession of an offensive weapon contrary to Section 85 of Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia,” the statement adds.
The two suspects have since been released on bond and will appear in Court soon.
Last December, ZRCS national president Kelvin Chiposwa said the board had noted with grave sadness the manner in which DEC had continued a witch-hunt against Mr Mushitu and other officers.
In a response to DEC’s demand for Mr Mushitu and Mr Chituta’s suspension to pave way for investigations into alleged misappropriation of donor funds, Mr Chiposwa said the ZRCS board found it extremely difficult to suspend the duo because the commission did not specify the nature of the allegations.
“You have not provided us with details of how much money has been laundered, the donor involved and the project concerned. As far as the board is concerned, it has not received any report of any project money that has been misappropriated,” Mr Chiposwa said.
He added that Mr Mushitu and Mr Chituta are bona fide employees of ZRCS “enjoying” their labour rights and other human rights in accordance with the Constitution, the prevailing labour laws and the internal laws of the Society.
Meanwhile, NIZA NAMWINGA reports that the Kabwe Magistrates Court has convicted and sentenced Fabiano Banda for money laundering offences.
Drug Enforcement Commission acting public relations officer Samuel Silomba said Banda, who is a former director of Shitima Community School, has been sentenced to 39 months imprisonment with hard labour for money laundering offences involving over K690 million.
Daily Mail
Register A Domain
Client Area Login
