Former Board Chairperson of the National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (NISIR), Judith Ngalande Lungu, has been arrested for the offense of Abuse of Authority of office. The 71-year-old resident of Luangwa residential area in Kabwe was arrested on February 15, 2023, in Lusaka by the Police Investigations Team.
According to brief facts of the case, Dr. Lungu, who served as the Board Chairperson of NISIR between 2017 and 2021, purchased a house from the Institute at a reduced price of 40 percent, which was a condition of NISIR employees. However, Dr. Lungu did not belong to the category of NISIR employees. She paid K178,000 towards the total cost of K381,000 and occupied the house, which is actually worth K800,000.
Danny Mwale, Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed Dr. Lungu’s arrest and the charge against her. “I can confirm that Dr. Judith Ngalande Lungu has been charged with Abuse of Authority of office. She was arrested on February 15, 2023, and released on Police Bond. She will appear in court soon,” he said.
The news of Dr. Lungu’s arrest has come as a shock to many, as she was considered a respected member of society. Speaking to the media, a former colleague of Dr. Lungu expressed his surprise at the news. “I knew Dr. Lungu to be a very honorable person who always advocated for ethical practices in public office. I never would have expected her to be involved in something like this,” he said.
The arrest of Dr. Lungu has also sparked a conversation about the importance of upholding ethical practices in public office. In a statement, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) emphasized the need for public officials to always act in the best interest of the public. “As public servants, it is our responsibility to uphold the highest ethical standards and always act in the best interest of the public. Any act of corruption or abuse of authority is a betrayal of the public trust and will not be tolerated,” the statement read.
The Police Investigations Team has assured the public that they will continue to work diligently to investigate any wrongdoing and ensure that justice is served. “We take these matters very seriously and will not hesitate to take action against any public official who is found to be abusing their authority,” a spokesperson for the team said.
Dr. Lungu’s case has also brought attention to the issue of corruption in Zambia. According to Transparency International’s 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index, Zambia ranks 117th out of 180 countries, with a score of 32 out of 100. The index measures the perceived level of public sector corruption in a country.
Speaking on the issue of corruption in Zambia, a representative from Transparency International Zambia said, “Corruption is a major issue in Zambia, and it is important that the government takes a strong stance against it. We need to ensure that public officials are held accountable for their actions and that they are not above the law.”
The case against Dr. Lungu is a reminder that no one is above the law and that the abuse of authority cannot be tolerated. As the investigation continues, the public waits for justice to be served.
The ACC is doing a commendable job but they should not be selective. They must move from statehouse and work independently. Hakainde must also be questioned on privatisation and state property he acquired during that time
The full names of the former Dean of School of Agriculture at Unza and later former Deputy Vice Chancellor at Mulungushi University are reflected as: Dr. Judith Ngalande Lungu. Her middle name “Ngalande” suggests origin from North-Western Province; whereas her last name “Lungu” was derived from her Late husband Prof. Lungu who spent his later life as a University Lecturer in South Africa. Apparently, the political climate in Zambia is such that who ever bears the name “LUNGU” will be an obvious victim for PERSECUTION and TORTURE.
Correction: Don’t be misled by the “Ngalande” name; she is 100 percent from Eastern province
So sad.
The problem we have is the belief by many Zambians is that an appointment to an influential position is an opportunity to take advantage of things. I’ve never heard of Mwanta Kavindele brag that he was once VP but usually when he speaks it’s with facts. Others make it a point to emphasize that they held such and such a position even if they betrayed others to get those positions. More than 50% of presidential appointments aren’t on merit. Many aren’t held accountable while they serve because of the fear of the appointing authority. We run a wrong system
@Samuel Phiri, LT should be Professional. That means they should be consistent with how they present their news and news sources. This consistency is what is called house style. Why are they telling us how old Mrs Lungu is when I dont see them ever telling us how old HH is or Emmanuel Mwamba or Fred Mmembe? What is their ulterior motive?
71 years old. Just release her. She is too old. Arrest those criminals with the goevernment and those who served as ministers under PF. They came rich within sort period of time. Not from selling one cow. But through stealing
LT should be Professional. That means they should be consistent with how they present their news and news sources. This consistency is what is called house style. Why are they telling us how old Mrs Lungu is when I dont see them ever telling us how old HH is or Emmanuel Mwamba or Fred Mmembe? What is their ulterior motive?
they only go for the poor people well people like former president lungu and lusambo will go free with nothing done