By Synd Kalimbuka
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has announced that it will commence civil asset forfeiture proceedings for various properties suspected to be proceeds of crime belonging to 11 suspects linked to the alleged looting of K36.7 billion at the Greenbelt Authority (GBA), in addition to criminal prosecution.
In a statement, ACB Acting Director General Gabriel Chembezi said the suspects have since been formally charged, with the earliest trial expected to commence on February 26, 2026.
Those arrested include GBA Chief Executive Officer Eric Chidzungu; Director of Irrigation Operations Chisomo Kumbuyo; Irrigation Engineer Chester Chikwere; Director of Finance and Investments Linda Phiri; Procurement and Assets Disposal Manager Masautso Kamowa; and Infrastructure Development Manager Synoden Kautsi.
Also arrested are Kabiki and Partners Engineering Services Managing Director Innocent Kawinuwinu; PLMB Engineering Investment Managing Directors Stanley Bakolo and Victor Chabwera; EMD Consulting Engineers Managing Director Ephrone Mwenitete; and Einstein Construction Limited Managing Director Kenneth Khonje.
Part of the statement reads:
“The arrested suspects have been formally charged with various offences under the Corrupt Practices Act and the Penal Code.
They have been released on bail, with the earliest trial scheduled for February 27, 2026.
“The Bureau further informs the public that it will soon obtain more arrest warrants for the remaining suspects in the matter.”
It is alleged that GBA awarded contracts to private contractors and irregularly made advance payments totalling K36.7 billion.
The funds were allegedly used to finance political campaigns, while some GBA officials are accused of benefiting through kickbacks.
