By Chisomo Phiri

The Anti-Corruption Bureau ( ACB ) has charged the former Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Transport and Public Works, Patrick Zampita with accounts of abuse of office and neglect of official duty.

A statement signed by the Bureau’s Principal Public Relationship Officer (PRO) Egrita Ndala says on 3 September 2022, the graft bursting body received a complaint alleging that the process which was followed to declare MOTA Engil as successful bidder to tender, design, rehabilitate and upgrade Marka to Bangula railway section was questionable as a “no objections” was issued without the knowledge of Public Procurement and Disposal of Asset authority ( PPDA).

It is also alleged that, in August 2021, Zampita abused his office by instructing Micheal Mbewe to draft and advertise notification of intention to award a contract to MOTA Engil without the approval of Government Contract Units.

Mbewe was arrested by ACB on 19 April, 2023 on similar charges and was taken to court where he received a bail awaiting commencement of trial.

On 9 May 2023, ACB arrested Zampita suspected of having committed offences of misuse of public office contrary to 258 (I) of Corrupt Practices Act and neglect of official duty contrary to section 121 of the penal code.

Meanwhile, the suspect was taken to court and granted bail after meeting the conditions to produce K300, 000 and surrender travelling documents, among others.