ACC bemoans corruption increase in public service

ACC bemoans corruption increase in public service
By Masuzyo Chakwe
Sun 19 Feb. 2012, 11:59 CAT

THE Anti-Corruption Commission has regretted the increase in the number of corrupt practices involving public service officers.

Announcing the arrest of a customer service assistant at Public Service and Pensions Fund and a Lusaka resident for corrupt practices, ACC corporate affairs officer Wezzy Chomba stated that the commission had observed with deep regret the increase in the number of corrupt practices involving public service officers who were supposed to provide services within the confines of their mandate than to take money from vulnerable people such as widows and orphans.

He warned public service officers to desist from engaging in corrupt practices because such activities were detrimental to the provision of equal services to all citizens in Zambia.

Chomba stated that Jusiyele Banda, 42 of house number house number 70/23 New Chawama and an employee of Public Service Pensions Fund and Bright Mukuma, 40 of house number 4705B Mulongoti Road, Matero, Lusaka were arrested and jointly charged with one count of corrupt practices by public officer and private person contrary to section 19(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 38 of 2010 of the Laws of Zambia.

He stated that on dates unknown but between January 1, 2012 and February 16, 2012, Banda, being a public officer namely, customer service assistant at Public Service and Pensions Fund, jointly and whilst acting together with Mukuma, a private person and other persons unknown corruptly solicited and actually received K1.5 million cash gratification from a Lusaka widow as an inducement or reward for the duo for having processed terminal benefits for her late husband, a matter of transaction concerning a Public Service Pensions Fund, a public body.

Chomba stated that the duo had been released on bond and would appear in court soon.