Friday 1 June 2012

ACC arrests former ECZ Deputy Director for IT Mpundu Mfula for corrupt practices involving $90,000


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 as a commission for the supply and delivery of disposable booths, chairs and tables relating to the contract between Electoral Commission of Zambia and Universal Print Group.
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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