"Former Education Permanent Secretary Henry Tukombe and former Head of Procurement and Supply Jacob Masatunya have been arrested by the Anti-Corruption Commission. They face charges relating to alleged breaches of public procurement regulations in a $400 million school materials contract."
Former Education Permanent Secretary Henry Tukombe, 57, has been arrested together with former Head of Procurement and Supply Jacob Masatunya, 53, for alleged failure to comply with public procurement regulations.
The two are accused of breaching procurement guidelines in a contract for the supply of school materials, which resulted in a loan obligation of more than 400 million dollars.
Anti‑Corruption Commission (ACC) Head of Corporate Communications Joseph Mwenya confirmed the arrests, stating that the offences were allegedly committed between January 2016 and December 2021 while the two served in their respective positions.
Mr. Mwenya explained that the Ministry of Education procured various school items from Mikalile Trading Company of Hong Kong without subjecting the bid to evaluation and without approval from the Ministerial Procurement Committee.
He said Mr. Tukombe and Mr. Masatunya have been charged with three counts relating to alleged breaches of the Public Procurement Regulations of 2011 and the Public Procurement Act of 2008.
This is contained in a statement issued to ZNBC News in Lusaka today.
Originally published by ZNBC News
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