The Anti-Corruption
Commission has arrested former Electoral Commission of Zambia Deputy Director
for Information Technology Mr. Mpundu Mfula for corrupt practices involving
US$90,000.
Mr Mfula, 54, of Plot 1927,
6 miles in Kabwangwe Area of Lusaka was arrested and charged with one count of
corrupt practices by public officer contrary to section 29(1) and section 41 of
the Anti-Corruption Act No. 42 of 1996 as read with section (3)(e) of the
Interpretation and General Provisions Act, Chapter 2 of the Laws of Zambia.
It is alleged that between 1st
May 2006 and 31st December 2006, Mfula being a public officer namely
Deputy Director Information Technology at the Electoral Commission of Zambia,
did corruptly receive a total of US$90,000.00 cash as a gratification from Vik
Vaid a Project Manager at Universal Print Group of South Africa.
The payment was made through
a company called Aeron Limited of Mauritius
The arrest of Mr. Mfula
follows the backdrop of numerous concerns bordering on allegations of
corruption involving officials at Universal Print Group, the company selected
by the Electoral Commission of Zambia to print ballot papers for the 2011
General Elections in which the Patriotic Front won the Presidential elections.
Prior to the elections, some
Civil Society Organisations and some sections of the media strongly objected to
the printing of ballot papers by Universal Print Group as the company was
viewed to be tainted with corrupt practices and called on the Anti-Corruption Commission
to investigate the company.
The Commission was at the time already investigating
the above allegations involving Mr Mfula but the inquiries had stalled as Mr.
Mfula had left the country at the time and his whereabouts were not known.
However, in April 2011, Mr. Mfula was found and a warn and caution statement
was recorded from him.
Mfula is expected
to appear for plea today 1st June 2012 before the Principal Resident
Magistrate.
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