The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has arrested a 43-year-old Ministry of Health employee for money laundering activities worth over K62,000.

In a statement, Monday, DEC Public Relations Officer Theresa Katongo stated that Joseph Mashilipa, 43, was arrested for theft contrary to the laws of Zambia.

“The DEC, through its Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit in Lusaka, has arrested a 43-year-old Ministry of Health employee for money laundering activities involving over K60,000. Joseph Mashilipa Mwaba, a Human Resource Management Officer at the Ministry of Health has been arrested for theft, theft by public servant and money laundering contrary to the laws of Zambia,” Katongo disclosed.

“Particulars of the offence are that Joseph Mashilipa Mwaba, in his capacity as Human Resource Management Officer and Payroll end user for Luanshya District Health Office on the Copperbelt, on dates unknown but between 1st June, 2016 and 30th June, 2018, jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown, with intent to defraud did steal money amounting to K62,598.57 from the Government of the Republic of Zambia.”

Katongo also announced that two ‘ghost workers’ were created in Luanshya District Health office payroll in order to corruptly siphon the funds.

“The money was stolen by way of introducing two ghost workers on the Luanshya District Health office payroll and was credited to his personal account at a named bank in Ndola. Further, the suspect having reason to believe that the said money were proceeds of crime did receive, possess and dispose of the same,” revealed Katongo.

“The suspect is on Police bond and is expected to appear in court soon. Meanwhile, the Commission in Western Province has seized 11.25 tonnes of fresh cannabis plants from Mwangalesha area in Lwampa District although no arrests have been made as the suspects are still at large.”