The New Dawn Government's Fight Against Corruption

During his election campaign the now president, Hakainde Hichilema, promised to crack down on corruption following years of malpractice and exploitation under the leadership of the Patriotic Front. As the UNDP comes into its ninth month in government, let’s take a look back at the strides that have been made to ensure those guilty of corruption face the courts.

Firstly, within three months of his election, the government successfully arrested former national radio journalist Faith Musonda. She was arrested under the charge of owning property suspected of being the proceeds of crime. In total, K65 million was found in cash alongside a property both of which have now been donated as university scholarships.

In December, former Minister of the Interior, Stephen Kampyongo, alongside six others, were arrested in connection with the offence of Endangering the Safety of Civil Aircraft in flight or service with passengers on board. Additionally, two helicopters were also seized from Joseph Malanji after information came to light that they were suspected of having been purchased with public funds. He also faced charges of owning property alleged to be funded by the proceeds of crime.

Also in December, the former Zambia Postal Services Corporation Postmaster General, McPherson Chanda, alongside the service’s director of finance and director of operations were arrested for diverting over K3 million worth of social cash transfers. Additionally, two managers of a state-owned company were also charged with suspected corruption relating to K300 million.

Finally, in March 2022, Zambia’s Anti-Corruption Commission arrested the former leader of the opposition, Given Lubinda, for his connection with over $500,000 that was thought to have been obtained illegally.

Although a strong start has been made, there is still more to do. But with steps being made almost daily to fix corruption in Zambia the New Dawn Government has made the right inroads to ensure that the problem is dealt with efficiently and lawfully.