The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has disclosed that as part of its ongoing fight against corruption, it has confiscated and restricted properties worth more than K400 million.
In its quarterly report for the first quarter of 2023, the commission stated that as of March 31, it was looking into more than 1,000 cases of corruption.
“During the quarter, the Commission received a total of 113 reports of suspected corruption. Of these cases, 110 reports contained elements of corruption and were authorized for investigations, while three were pending further action. 28 arrests were also affected during the quarter. As at close of the quarter, the Commission had 1,341 cases under investigations,”ACC Public Relations Manager Timothy Moono said in a statement.
He highlighted the conviction of Former Development Bank of Zambia (DBZ) Managing Director, Samuel Bwalya as among the key points in the first quarter.
“The Commission also recorded a conviction of the former Development Bank of Zambia (DBZ) Managing Director, Samuel Bwalya who was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment with hard labour in which he was charged with abuse of authority of office involving over K780,000.00.At the end of the quarter 43 Criminal cases and 15 Civil cases were before the courts of law. One case was appealed and there were no acquittals recorded. So far, the total estimated value of properties restricted or seized whose cases are either in court or still under investigations is Four Hundred Seventy Seven Million, Four Hundred Twenty Five Thousand, Seventy-One Kwacha (K477,425,071.00),”said Mr Moono.
He said that in accordance with their 2023 resolve to step up efforts to combat corruption with a focus on asset tracing, recovery, and prosecution of offenders, the commission is about to open offices in 12 more districts around the nation.
