Ministry of Health Official Arrested in Corruption Scandal

A senior health ministry official has been arrested in connection with a major corruption scandal involving millions of Kwacha and thousands of US dollars, according to authorities. 

Francis Nsenje, a project manager at the Ministry of Health, was taken into custody following allegations that he embezzled over K4 million and $11,000 through an elaborate scheme involving falsified payment documents.

According to Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) spokesperson Allan Tamba, Nsenje allegedly manipulated Electronic Funds Transfer forms to redirect K2.7 million meant for the Zambia Revenue Authority to his personal bank account at a commercial bank.

Investigators say Nsenje used the stolen funds to acquire substantial assets, including two farms in the Chongwe and Chibombo districts, two vehicles, and extensive renovations to his residence in Lusaka's Lilayi area.

The arrest marks another high-profile corruption case in Zambia's public sector, as authorities continue their crackdown on financial misconduct among government officials.