Inside Lusaka

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has arrested and charged two additional officials from the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries in connection with the ongoing investigation into the Sustainable Livestock Infrastructure
Management Project (SLIMP).

Those arrested are Succeed Mubanga, Director of Policy, Planning and Information, and Chanda Mulenga, a Stores Officer.

ACC Acting Head of Corporate Communications Chilufya Chisanga said the arrests follow a detailed investigation into the alleged misappropriation of funds from the US$10 million project.

According to Ms Chisanga, the funds—intended to support national livestock infrastructure development—were allegedly diverted through a network of illicit financial transactions and asset acquisitions.

Mr Mubanga, 49, has been charged with two counts of possession of property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime and two counts of concealment of property, contrary to the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act No. 19 of 2010.

“The suspected proceeds of crime are estimated at K11.1 million and include a motor vehicle, investments in Government bonds, and a residential house,” Ms Chisanga said.

Ms Mulenga, 33, has been charged with one count of possession of property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime and two counts of concealment of property, also contrary to the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act No. 19 of 2010.

Ms Chisanga added that the properties linked to Ms Mulenga include a modern house located in Kasama District.

She further stated that the arrest of Mr Mubanga and Ms Mulenga brings the total number of suspects arrested in connection with the SLIMP syndicate to nine.

The two suspects have since been released on bond and are expected to appear in court soon.

Meanwhile, the Commission has restricted and initiated seizure of several assets believed to be connected to the case.

Mwiimbu Directs Police to Crack Down on Township ‘Junkie’ Gangs

Government has instructed the Zambia Police Service to intensify operations aimed at eliminating youthful criminal gangs commonly known as “junkies” from townships, citing growing public fear caused by their activities.

Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Jack Mwiimbu said the gangs are responsible for a rise in violent crimes and sexual offences, which are leaving many residents feeling unsafe in their communities.

Speaking yesterday in Mazabuka, Southern Province, during the 2026 Zambia Police Service Open Day, Mr. Mwiimbu urged the police command to take decisive action against the gangs. The event was held under the theme “Peaceful Elections: Our Shared Responsibility.”

“Inspector General, I would like to urge you and your office to ensure that you eradicate junkies from our townships. Members of the public are living in fear as a result of junkies terrorising them in various areas,” Mr. Mwiimbu said.

The minister also assured the nation that Government is committed to ensuring a free and fair general election on August 13 this year.

He further warned against the spread of false information on social media, particularly concerning the health of the Head of State. Mr. Mwiimbu said law enforcement agencies will continue pursuing individuals who publish such falsehoods.

“Some of those responsible have already been apprehended, and police will ensure that the remaining culprits are also brought to book,” he said.

Mr. Mwiimbu also expressed concern over continued reports of stock theft, murders, and attacks on elderly citizens, often linked to accusations of witchcraft, describing the trend as deeply troubling.