Maravi

DEC arrest Red Cross boss for theft, money laundering

DEC arrest Red Cross boss for theft, money laundering
By Bright Mukwasa
Fri 27 Jan. 2012, 13:59 CAT

ZAMBIA Red Cross Society secretary general Charles Mushitu has been arrested for theft and money laundering offences involving K1.4 billion and for possessing an AK 47 assault rifle. Mushitu was arrested together with his finance manager Sydney Chituta.

Drug Enforcement Commission acting public relations officer Samuel Silomba said in a statement, it was alleged that between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 31, 2011, the duo stole a total of K1.4 billion, funds which came into their possession by virtue of their office as secretary general and finance manager.

"Further, Mr Mushitu was found with an AK47 rifle with 30 rounds of ammunition without authority, and he has since been charged with being in possession of an offensive weapon contrary to section 85 of Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia," said Silomba.

Silomba said that the stolen funds were meant for water and sanitation projects in Southern Province.

He explained that the two suspects were believed to have acquired property which included houses, cars and plots.

Silomba said that Mushitu and Chituta have since been released on bond and will appear in court soon.

Last month, the ZRCS board accused the DEC of witch-hunting against Mushitu and other officers, an allegation the Commission denied.

This followed DEC's request for Mushitu to take a break to pave way for investigations into allegations of misappropriation of donor funds.

ZRCS national president Kelvin Chiposwa in a letter dated December 12, 2011 stated that the board noted with grave sadness the manner in which the Commission continued to engage in witch-hunting against its officers.

"You may be aware, and we believe you have been briefed to the effect that the Commission, through your investigation officer Ms Constance Zimba, has been carrying out endless investigations targeting our general secretary for five years now without success," Chiposwa said.

"We wonder whether these past and current investigations are indeed genuine or they are laced with hate, personality and malice."

Labels: CORRUPTION, MONEY LAUNDERING, RED CROSS

posted by MrK @ 6:40 PM