Court convicts Chongwe Health Director for corruption after awarding contract to his company
The Chongwe Subordinate Court has convicted Chongwe District Health Office director Dr Mweene Tembalami Nseluke after finding him guilty of corruption involving K300, 000.
Chongwe Resident Magistrate Francis Sato, found Dr Nseluke guilty on all 10 counts of failure to declare conflict of interest, contrary to provisions of the Public Procurement Act.
Magistrate Sato however, offered Dr Nseluke an opportunity to avoid serving time in jail if he paid a total K330, 000 for all ten counts within 14 days from the date of sentencing avoid going to jail for period ranging between three months to 24 months imprisonment, with sentences to run concurrently.
Brief facts are that in June 2025, Dr Nseluke, aged 47, of Chainama Hills Hospital, was arrested by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and charged with 10 counts of failure to declare conflict of interest.
In this matter, the Court held that Dr Nseluke, in his capacity as director of the Chongwe District Health Office, took part in a contract in the manner he approved payments and personally withdrew funds from Lukem Prominent Ventures, a company in which he held a direct interest.
The Court further established that Dr Nseluke approved payments to the company and personally withdrew the funds, contrary to the laws of Zambia.
The contract, which was intended to cover the servicing and repair of the Ministry of Health motor vehicles in Chongwe District, was signed by his sister, Sinikiwe Masuka on behalf of Lukem Prominent Ventures.
This is according to a press release by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
The Anti-Corruption Commission reiterates that public office must never be exploited for personal gain or to favour business entities in which public officers hold direct or indirect interests.
Public officers must declare any conflicts of interest, adhere to procurement procedures and ensure that all decisions involving public resources are made in the public interest.