The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in Choma has arrested two judicial officers and a veterinary surgeon for corrupt practices involving K30,000 and over K29,000 in two separate incidences.

In a statement, ACC corporate affairs officer Christopher Chibanku explained that a Subordinate Court Magistrate, Jacob Matate Mbolela, 60, had been charged with one count of corrupt acquisition of public property and revenue, contrary to the laws of Zambia.

Particulars of the offence are that on dates unknown, but between 1st April, 2014, and 1st April, 2015, in Choma, Mbolela being a public officer namely a Subordinate Court Magistrate employed by the Judiciary in Choma, did unlawfully divert K10,000 property of the Government of the Republic of Zambia.

Chibanku further stated that Winter Lupani, a 34-year-old Court Marshal at Choma Subordinate Court was charged with two counts of corrupt acquisition of public property and revenue, contrary to Section 34 (1) (b) of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012.

“Particulars of the offence are that on dates unknown, but between 1st April, 2014, and 1st April, 2015 in Choma, Jacob Matate Mbolela being a public officer namely a Subordinate Court Magistrate employed by the Judiciary in Choma, did unlawfully divert K10,000 property of the Government of the Republic of Zambia. [And] on dates unknown but between 1st April, 2014, and 1st April, 2015, in Choma, Winter Lupani being a public officer namely Court Marshal employed by the Judiciary did unlawfully divert a total sum of K20,000 property of the Government of the Republic of Zambia,” Chibanku stated.

In another development, the Commission arrested Victor Chainda, a 42-year-old veterinary surgeon for corrupt practices involving over K29,000 and charged him with 33 counts of theft by public servant, contrary to section 277 as read together with section 265 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.

“Particulars of the offences are that, on dates unknown but between 1st January, 2015, and 1st December, 2015, in Choma, Victor Chainda being a public officer, namely a Sesheke District Veterinary Officer, did steal a total sum of K29,220 property of the Livestock Department Trust, which came into his possession by virtue of employment,” stated Chibanku.

Meanwhile, Chainda and the two judicial officers from Choma were released on bond and would appear in court soon.