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A Lusaka security guard tasked with safeguarding lifesaving medical supplies has been jailed for one year and eight months with hard labour for stealing medicines worth K55,600 from the University Teaching Hospital (UTH).
Kelvin Nyambe, 29, of Kuku Compound, pleaded guilty before Lusaka Magistrate Anna Holland after he was caught packing antiretrovirals (ARVs) and other essential drugs into a black bag while on duty at the hospital’s newly constructed Out-Patient Department (OPD) building.
Nyambe committed the offence on January 31, 2025, around 23:00 hours. He was found with a stash of medical supplies, including 15 bottles of Panadol (1,000 tablets each), 25 bottles of Ibuprofen (1,000 tablets each) and 24 tins of Dolutegravir—an important ARV.
Also missing were 2,200 bottles of Metronidazole syrup, which had been temporarily moved to the OPD building during renovations.
Chief pharmacist, Elias Chambula, the complainant, was alerted by Arm Secure security supervisor, Laston Kankomba, who reported that one of the guards had been apprehended for drug theft. Chambula rushed to the emergency block, where the medicines were being kept, to verify the report.
Upon arrival, he was informed that Nyambe had been discovered inside the building packing drugs into a black bag and had attempted to leave the premises when he was confronted.
Chambula asked pharmacist Angela Namulambe, the stores officer in charge, to conduct an audit of all medicines delivered by the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA).
A physical count revealed shortages of 24 tins of TLD (ARVs), 27 tins of Ibuprofen and 16 tins of Panadol—all valued at K55,600. Namulambe compiled a report, which was submitted to Chambula, who later reported the matter to Kabwata Police Station.
Detective Inspector Chileshe took over the case. Some of the stolen medicines were recovered and returned for hospital use.
During police interviews, Nyambe initially failed to give a satisfactory explanation, but later gave a warn-and-caution statement in Nyanja admitting to the offence.
“I know I made a mistake. I am asking for forgiveness. I have three children, and my wife is unemployed,” Nyambe said in mitigation, adding “If I am given a custodial sentence, my children will suffer. I have learnt my lesson and will never repeat my actions.”
In sentencing him, Magistrate Holland underscored the gravity of stealing medical supplies meant for the public.
“I take into account the convict’s guilty plea and the value of the items stolen, which every Zambian is entitled to,” she said.
She noted that Nyambe was a first offender before sentencing him to 20 months’ imprisonment with hard labour.
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