The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has arrested and charged three officials from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock over alleged corruption involving more than K8.8 Million linked to the Sustainable Livestock Infrastructure Management Project (SLIMP).

The arrests have brought the total number of officers arrested in the SLIMP corruption saga to 12, as investigations intensify into the alleged misappropriation of part of the US10 Million project funds, meant for livestock infrastructure development.

In a statement issued to the media, Acting Head of Corporate Communications, Chilufya Chisanga, said the three suspects have been charged with various offences ranging from fraudulent false accounting, corrupt acquisition of public property and revenue, abuse of authority of office and possession of property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime.

Ms Chisanga said Principal Livestock Production Officer, Grace Lungu, 47, of Lusaka’s Lilayi area, has been charged with 16 counts of fraudulent false accounting involving false imprest retirements amounting to over K750, 000.

She explained that Ms Lungu allegedly claimed that funds obtained from the SLIMP account had been utilised for intended purposes when in fact not.

Ms Chisanga further disclosed that Ms Lungu has also been charged with two counts of possession of property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime involving a residential property in Chipata District valued at K800, 000 and a government bond worth K300, 000.

She added that Senior Livestock Production Officer, Trohyb Hanyimbo, 42, of Libala South in Lusaka, has been charged with one count of corrupt acquisition of public property and revenue involving over K1.9 Million allegedly diverted from Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock SLIMP accounts.

“Mr Hanyimbo allegedly fraudulently diverted funds from the Ministry’s SLIMP accounts for personal benefit,” Ms Chisanga said.

Ms Chisanga also indicated that Assistant Director, Kabemba Mwambilwa, 48, of Chongwe’s Palabana area, has been charged with corrupt acquisition of public property and revenue involving more than K3.8 Million allegedly diverted from various SLIMP accounts.

She added that Mr Mwambilwa has further been charged with two counts of possession of property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime involving a Hyundai Creta valued at K450, 000 and a Jaguar F-Pace valued at K650, 000.

Ms Chisanga noted that Mr Mwambilwa has additionally been charged with abuse of authority of office for allegedly facilitating the employment of Grace Chundama as SLIMP Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist without approval from the Ministry’s Controlling Officer.

“The three suspects have since been released on bond and are expected to appear in court soon,” Ms Chisanga stated.

Ms Chisanga added that investigations into the SLIMP project are still ongoing and more arrests are expected as the commission continues uncovering suspected illegally acquired assets.

She revealed that investigations have so far uncovered assets valued at over K124 Million comprising motor vehicles, houses, farms, livestock and government bonds.

Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa has directed that appropriate disciplinary action be taken against public officers who participated in political activities without formally resigning from Government service before May 15, 2026.

Mr. Kangwa said affected officers violated provisions of the Public Service Code of Ethics, commonly known as the Red Book, and must comply with the earlier directive issued by Cabinet Office.

He explained that the circular was meant to safeguard the integrity, professionalism and impartiality of the Public Service before, during and after the general elections.

Mr. Kangwa made the remarks in Lusaka during the official opening of the fifth Senior Public Service Management Meeting.

He further urged Permanent Secretaries to remain neutral in the execution of their duties and ensure that all decisions and actions taken within Government institutions are properly documented.

Government says it is strengthening partnerships with the private sector to help address Zambia’s housing deficit, currently estimated at more than 1.5 million housing units.

Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Permanent Secretary Professor Albert Malama said Government, in partnership with the Zambia National Building Society (ZNBS), has launched the “Bondi Yanga” campaign aimed at improving access to affordable housing finance.

Professor Malama explained that Government is working to increase access to decent and affordable housing through collaborations with financial institutions, contractors, developers and other stakeholders in the housing sector.

His remarks were delivered in a speech read on his behalf by Ministry Director of Planning Richard Banda during the launch of the Infrastructure Expo in Lusaka.

Meanwhile, Construction Expo Board Chairperson Lotti Lungu said the expo has brought together major players in the housing and construction industry, including financial institutions, contractors, architects and real estate developers.

Ms. Lungu encouraged members of the public to take advantage of financing opportunities being offered through both the Infrastructure Expo and the Bondi Yanga campaign in order to invest in housing projects and property development.

Government has handed over K2.79 million in Constituency Development Funds (CDF) grants to 85 cooperatives in Chienge District and commissioned five community  projects  worth over K5.5 million, aimed at improving livelihoods and expanding access to essential services, in the area.
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‎Speaking during the handover ceremony, Luapula Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Evans Sikabbubba, said the projects reflect the government’s commitment to ensure that all citizens receive an equal amount of development.
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‎Mr Sikabbubba said the increase in CDF allocation from K1.6 million to K40 million, has enabled districts such as Chienge, to implement transformational infrastructure and empowerment programmes.
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‎”Among the projects being commissioned is the district’s first maternity annex at Lunchinda Clinic constructed at a cost of K1.56 million. Other completed projects include a classroom block and 75 desks at Kanwa Primary School, the Shemu Mukabe Water Scheme, a 40-kilowatt solar system at Chienge district Hospital and a classroom block at Mweru Community School”, he said
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‎Mr Sikabbubba added that construction of more maternity annexes is underway in the district.
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‎And Chienge District Commissioner Rosemary Chikonde said the projects demonstrate the government’s commitment to inclusive development and improved service delivery.
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‎Ms Chikonde urged communities to safeguard the infrastructure and ensure that the facilities benefit all residents.
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‎And speaking through a representative, Sub Chief Twaileta welcomed the projects and appealed to the government to construct staff houses to support the newly commissioned maternity annex.
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‎”We promise to continue supporting the government so that they continue with the developmental agenda,” he said.

‎Lunchinda Health Facility In-Charge Jacqueline Kabwe thanked the government for the maternity infrastructure, saying it would improve maternal healthcare services and increase access to quality healthcare in the area.
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Stakeholders have called for increased investment in programmes aimed at addressing challenges affecting the boy child.

 said the government has continued implementing interventions that support vulnerable boys through rehabilitation, counselling, skills training and behavioural support programmes.

 Ms Nachinga said children in conflict with the law are among those benefiting from probation and diversion programmes, while institutions such as Katombola and Katambala are helping reform young boys into responsible citizens.

She added that the Social Cash Transfer programme has also continued benefiting boy children at household level.

“ Government has not neglected boy children, we are doing everything possible to ensure that the boy child is not left out, we may not have a programme that specifically targets boy children only but we have programmes where both the girl and boy child benefits,” said Ms Nachinga.

Meanwhile, Basic Education Teachers Union of Zambia (BETUZ) Director for Public and International Relations Obby Chisala says there is need for deliberate programmes targeting the boy child, similar to the Keeping Girls in School initiative that has contributed to increased school enrolment and improved academic performance among girls.

Mr Chisala observed that many boys are falling behind due to lack of mentorship and support systems, hence the need for interventions that encourage them to remain in school and become productive members of society.

“I am appealing to the government, stakeholders, cooperating partners and non-governmental organisations to help address challenges affecting boys,” he said.

And life coach Whitehead Angina, founder of Insaka, an organisation that mentors boys, said many male children are silently going through emotional and social challenges that require urgent attention.

Mr Angina commended the government for enacting the Children’s Code Act, and stressed that more targeted programmes are needed to ensure the boy child also feels recognised and supported.

Mbala District Administrative Officer, Gilson Chanda has applauded the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) for their initiative to assist stakeholders in the district, with issues surrounding information and communication technology.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting, Mr Chanda said the stakeholders in the district are elated that through the information to be provided by ZICTA, consumers are helped and protected from abuse and misuse of online platforms.

And Zambia Information Communication Technology Authority Team Leader and Acting Manager for Consumer Affairs, Kennedy Kapembwe says the institution has the mandate to regulate the information and communication technology sector under Act Number 15 of 2009.

Mr Kapembwe said ZICTA also operates under the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act Number 4 of 2021 and the Postal Services Act Number 22 of 2009.

He noted that many people are now using social networking platforms, adding that some criminals are taking advantage of unsuspecting users through online fraud and other cyber-related crimes.

Mr Kapembwe has since urged members of the public to be careful when using social media and other online platforms.

Meanwhile, James Malama a Teacher at Mbulu school has described the visit by ZICTA in Mbala district as timely, assuring that the information shared during the meeting will be put to good use and passed on to others.

He said many people in Mbala have been scammed, with some victims ending up committing suicide due to the effects of online fraud.

The Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) has launched the Joint Unified Society through Inclusive Empowerment (Justice Project) in Kafue and Itezhi-Tezhi districts.

CEJ Executive Director Maggie Mwape says the project represents a shared commitment to strengthening justice, inclusion, accountability and empowerment particularly for women, youths and vulnerable groups in the two districts.

In a statement made available to ZANIS by the CEJ Communications office, Ms Mwape disclosed that the project is anchored on the broader People and Organisations Working for Equality and Rights (POWER) programme framework, which seeks to strengthen the civil society space, promote human rights and advance inclusive and gender-just development.

She stated that at the core of the project is a simple principle that empowered citizens result in stronger societies, where leaders are accountable and systems promote dignity, equality and participation for all.

“The Justice Project is designed to respond directly to real challenges faced in Kafue and Itezhi-Tezhi districts which require coordinated, inclusive and long-term community-driven solutions.

This vision also compliments government’s efforts, particularly in advancing governance reforms, social inclusion and the empowerment of women and young people”, she stated.

Ms Mwape further highlighted that among the challenges faced by women and youths in Kafue district are, poverty, limited livelihood opportunities, harmful social norms, gender-based violence, and exclusion from decision-making processes.

She explained that in Itezhi tezhi district, the project will address challenges such as climate variability, droughts and environmental shocks that undermine livelihoods, with women and youths being the most affected.

Ms Mwape reiterated that CEJ recognises that meaningful participation is closely linked to economic empowerment, hence the project supporting women and youths through savings groups, financial literacy training and climate-smart livelihood initiatives.

She added that economically empowered communities are better positioned to participate in governance processes and effectively demand for their rights.

Ms Mwape further explained that the Project is anchored on four key pillars, with the first aiming to strengthen and empower women and youths through access to information, leadership opportunities and livelihood support.

She said the second pillar aims to build common ground by fostering collaboration among communities, traditional leaders, government institutions, civil society and other developmental partners such as Diakonia.

Ms Mwape said the third objective is to transform harmful social norms through community dialogues, positive masculinity initiatives and awareness campaigns that promote dignity, respect and inclusion, while the fourth aspires to strengthen accountability and governance systems by working with duty-bearers to improve transparency, responsiveness and gender-sensitive service delivery.

She expressed gratitude to Diakonia for its financial and technical support and commitment to advancing justice, human rights and inclusive development in the country.

A representative for Persons with Disabilities in Chililabombwe district has expressed happiness over their inclusion in the Voter Education programme.

Steven Nkomeni said the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities is a clear indication that the government’s emphasis on inclusivity is being implemented.

Mr Nkomeni added that the inclusion has enabled the Persons with Disabilities to feel that they are part of the programme.

He said the initiative will help address challenges that Persons with Disabilities have been facing and ensure that everyone moves together as a nation in contributing to positive national development.

“It is an opportunity for us to be considered and included in these programmes,” he said.

And Chililabombwe District Electoral Officer Sheila Songolo said it is important for facilitators to understand their role in the electoral process.

Ms Songolo added that Voter Facilitators play a very important role as they are being equipped to educate the people of Chililabombwe on the importance of voting.

“There is need for residents to understand why voting is important,” she said.

She further said residents have the responsibility to choose leaders of their choice.

“We want to see full participation, no voter apathy and less or zero rejected votes,” she added.

Meanwhile, one of the Voter Education Facilitators, Christine Mutale, said they will ensure that voters receive the correct information in order to reduce voter apathy.

She assured members of the public of carrying out their civic duties responsibly so that residents understand the importance of voting.

“We will ensure that each voter is equipped with the right voting message,” she said.

And Boniface Mubanga, another Voter Education Facilitator, promised to follow laid-down procedures and work impartially and transparently.