Former Government Ministers Re-Arrested on Corruption Charges

Amos Chanda and Zindaba Soko have been arrested on historic corruption charges.

This represents the second time the pair have been arrested for corruption following their 2019 arrest and release. The Drug Enforcement Commission, through its Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit, announced the pair had been re-arrested the two for Corrupt Practices by a Public Officer Contrary to Section 19 (1) as read with Section 29 (1) of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012 and Money Laundering Contrary to Section 7 of Prohibition and Prevention of the Money Laundering Act No. 14 of 2001 as amended by Act 44 of 2010. 

The two are being charged with corrupt practices whilst in office and in being in possession of property related to criminal activity. They’re accused of being paid, or bribed, by businessman Walid El Nahas in order to award a government contract, known as a Public Private Partnership, to Intelligent Mobility Solutions for advanced road safety management solutions. Both are accused of having money laundered, believed to total approximately $21,000 USD.

Previously, they were charged with six counts of corrupt practices but a nolle prosequi was entered by the then Director of Public Prosecutions. A nolle prosequi is a legal notice that the prosecutor no longer wishes to pursue the lawsuit. The practice has a number of judicial functions but is subject to criticism. In this instance, it effectively facilitated the previous administration’s dissolution of corruption charges because of political decision-making. 

Amos Chanda and Zindaba previously served as the Presidential Press Aide and for the Road Transport and Safety Agency respectively. Mr. Chanda was previously arrested just four months after resigning as the State House Spokesperson in order to pursue opportunities in the private sector.

The Drug Enforcement Commission’s Public Relations Officer have confirmed that the two are currently on Police bond and will soon appear in court.

These re-arrests came on the same day President Hichilema reaffirmed his commitment to return laundered public funds to the Zambian people. Speaking to the BBC, he was quick to reject any notion that anti-corruption drive was persecutory. Criticising the previous administration he asked; “They borrowed money and put it in areas such as road construction where it was easy to steal the money. When the public said ‘we want what belongs to us’ how does that become political vindictiveness?”

Image via Lusakatimes.com