Maravi

ACC extends bond for Mwanaumo

ACC extends bond for Mwanaumo
Written by Masuzyo Chakwe
Thursday, February 19, 2009 7:17:53 AM

THE Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has extended the bond for Food Reserve Agency (FRA) executive director Dr Anthony Mwanaumo (right) to March 3. Dr Mwanaumo was arrested by the Commission on February 11, 2009 for abuse of authority of office.

In a statement issued by ACC public relations manager Timothy Moono, Dr Mwanaumo was arrested for two counts of abuse of authority of office involving over K2.7 billion and was expected to appear in court yesterday for plea.

Moono said Dr Mwanaumo's bond was extended after the Director of Public Prosecutions called for the docket.

He said Dr Mwanaumo was charged with two counts of abuse of authority of office contrary to section 99 (2) of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.

Moono said in the first count, It is alleged that between October 1, 2006 and November, 30, 2006, in Lusaka, Dr Mwanaumo did abuse the authority of his office by arbitrary awarding a contract for the supply of 200 tarpaulins worth K1,330,000,000 to Gourock Ropes and Canvas Limited in breach of set-out procurement procedures, an act which was prejudicial to the interest of the government.

He said in the second count, it is alleged that between October 1, 2006 and November, 30, 2006, in Lusaka, Dr Mwanaumo did abuse the authority of his office by arbitrary awarding a contract for the supply of 50 tarpaulins worth K1.4 billion to Nyimba Filling Station in breach of set-out procurement procedures, an act prejudicial to the interest of the government.

Sources on Tuesday revealed that the ACC had come under pressure from high authorities in government over his arrest. Well-placed sources within the Commission's investigating team revealed that there was pressure from top people in the government for them to drop Dr Mwanaumo's charges, adding that it would be difficult for them to proceed with the matter in view of the interference in the case.

Labels: ACC, ANTHONY MWANAUMO, CORRUPTION, FRA

posted by MrK @ 7:18 AM