Police arrest 10 Dodma officials over Covid-19 funds

Police yesterday arrested 10 more officials at the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) in connection with the alleged abuse of K6.2 billion Covid-19 response funds.

In an interview yesterday, National Police spokesperson James Kadadzera confirmed the arrests, saying the officers were picked on Wednesday.

“I cannot disclose their identity such as official positions or names, but just know that we have arrested 10 people and we also arrested one earlier so that brings the number to 11,” he said.

Police had earlier arrested Dodma deputy director Fyabupi Mwafongo.

Kadadzera said the suspects will be charged with theft by servant.

He said more arrests are expected to be made in connection with the alleged abuse of Covid-19 funds.

The National Anti-Corruption Alliance has since commended police for moving in quickly to make arrests.

The Alliance’s chairperson Moses Mkandawire said abuse of public funds has been a song for a long time and there is need for action to put an end to it.

President Lazarus Chakwera has demanded expenditure reports on the K6.2 billion disbursed last year which the public widely suspect was abused.