The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has arrested a Bio-Medical technologist of Levy Mwanawasa Hospital for issuing fake COVID-19 clearance certificates.

ACC public relations manager Timoty Moono in a statement disclosed that the suspect identified as Kingsley Kakoma aged 35 years of Kasangula Road in Lusaka has since been charged with one count corrupt practices contrary to Section 19 (1) of the Anti-Corruption Act No.3 of 2012.

He stated that the suspect was arrested after soliciting for K800 from a student who was scheduled to travel abroad for studies.

“The Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested a Bio-Medical technologist at the Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital (LMUTH) for corrupt practices involving suspected fake COVID-19 clearance certificates. Kingsley Kakoma, 35 of Plot No.11129 off Kasangula road, Garden, has been charged with one count of Corrupt Practices contrary to Section 19(1) of the Aanti-Corruption Aact No.3 of 2012. The arrest is in relation to the illegal issuance of Travelers’ Medical Certification for COVID-19, contrary to the Statutory instruments No.21 and No.22 under the Public Health Act,” Moono stated.

And Moono stated that Kakoma was picked up after a tip of from members of the public and was found in possession of COVID-19 clearance certificates which were pre-signed and marked ‘negative.’

“Kakoma was arrested by the commission following a tip-off from the public. He was found to be in possession of K2, 250 cash, and five blank COVID-19 clearance medical certificate which were pre-signed, marked negative , and bore a stamp for the Zambia Institute of Public Health. He was also in possession of 86 preservation solutions tubes, 50 sample collection swabs, among other items. Kakoma was arrested after soliciting for, and actually receiving K800 from a student who was scheduled to travel abroad for studies. Kakoma has since been released on bond and will appear in court soon,” disclosed Moono.