ACC Arrests Three Ministry Officers Over K260 Million ADB Loan Misuse

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has arrested three senior officials from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock over alleged misappropriation of a US$10 million (approximately K260 million) African Development Bank (ADB) loan intended to improve livestock infrastructure and productivity.

The loan was disbursed under the Sustainable Livestock Infrastructure Management Project (SLIMP), designed to enhance Zambia's livestock sector capacity and boost agricultural productivity.

ACC Director General Daphne Chabu revealed that investigations uncovered systematic abuse of project resources, with over US$5.2 million allocated for administrative and capacity-building activities being extensively misapplied.

"Our investigations have confirmed that more than US$1.3 million was illicitly transferred into personal accounts under false pretenses. A further US$142,000 was withdrawn in cash and distributed among officers," Mrs. Chabu disclosed.

The Commission says the funds were allegedly retired using falsified documents for activities that never took place, enabling the suspects to accumulate properties and vehicles far beyond their legitimate earnings.

The three officers—Henry Sichone, Abraham Mulenga, and Peter Michese—have been charged with multiple counts of possession of unexplained property and corrupt acquisition of public funds.

Mrs. Chabu warned that more arrests are expected as investigations continue, emphasizing the Commission's commitment to recovering all misappropriated funds.

"We will ensure that these resources are recovered and benefit the Zambian people as originally intended by the development partners," she stated.

The ADB loan was meant to support critical livestock infrastructure development, including veterinary services, disease control systems, and improved breeding programs across the country.