The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has arrested four individuals in Mkushi District over corruption allegations linked to a school feeding programme contract valued at more than K1 million.
The suspects include district planning officer Patrick Nkhuwa and accounts assistant Nakeempa Okello from the Ministry of Education’s District Education Board Secretary office. Investigators say the arrests relate to the awarding of a contract to Ichikwanka Multi-Purpose Cooperative to supply more than 350 bags of beans under the school feeding programme.
ACC acting head of corporate communications Chilufya Chisanga said the suspects were charged with offences including abuse of authority of office and corrupt practices with a public officer. Authorities allege the cooperative was awarded the contract despite not meeting the necessary procurement standards required to supply goods to government institutions.
The investigation also led to the arrest of two bank employees, Dennis Charles Baines and Joseph Mwape, who investigators believe were involved in the financial transactions connected to the procurement process. The four suspects are expected to appear before court as the corruption investigation progresses.
Officials said the alleged irregularities occurred between July and December last year when the contract was processed and payments were allegedly facilitated. According to investigators, the case centres on how procurement procedures were bypassed during the awarding of the contract.
School feeding programmes are designed to support vulnerable learners by providing meals to pupils, particularly in rural areas where food insecurity affects school attendance and performance. Government funding is channelled through education offices to procure food supplies distributed to schools participating in the programme.
Investigators said the procurement process requires strict compliance with public finance regulations to ensure transparency and value for money. Authorities maintain that any deviation from procurement procedures can compromise public service delivery and expose government funds to abuse.
The Anti-Corruption Commission has intensified investigations into public procurement practices in several sectors, particularly programmes involving large public allocations. Education sector procurement has remained a focus for investigators because of the size of funds allocated to social support programmes.
Government agencies continue to emphasise the importance of accountability in managing public resources, especially those intended to support vulnerable communities. Officials say procurement systems must be protected to ensure that funds reach the intended beneficiaries without interference or manipulation.
The Mkushi case forms part of broader efforts by investigators to address corruption in public service institutions. Authorities say they will continue pursuing cases involving alleged misuse of public funds in order to strengthen integrity in government programmes.
The suspects remain under investigation as authorities prepare the case for prosecution. Further details are expected to emerge as the matter proceeds through the judicial process.
