ACC nabs five road safety agency officials over alleged corrupt practices, abuse of office

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has arrested five Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) officers for corrupt practices involving bribery and irregular issuance of documents.

The arrests followed investigations into allegations that the officers solicited and accepted bribes from motorists in exchange for overlooking traffic offences.

The offences also included issuing test certificates without conducting physical inspections, issuing driver’s licenses improperly, and providing other unlawful favours — all in violation of the Road Traffic Act, Chapter 464 of the Laws of Zambia.

Speaking during a media briefing held at ACC Head Office in Lusaka on Thursday, June 5, 2025, ACC Director General Daphne Chabu named the five arrested officers as Janet Chisha (Registry Clerk), Joel Banda (Examiner), Rhoda Chiyesu (Road Traffic Inspector), Constance Masupelo (Road Traffic Inspector), and Liya Kunda (Cashier).

Chabu said the officers have been released on bond and will appear in court soon.

“Officials who engage in traffic-related corruption have no regard for the consequences of their actions. For example, if you license vehicles that are not roadworthy, what happens?” Chabu asked, highlighting the risk of increased road traffic accidents and loss of life.

She further stated that the issuance of test certificates without proper physical tests means that unqualified individuals could be operating on the roads, posing a danger to public safety.

Chabu warned that corruption undermined public trust and national development.

“Money or resources that should be used on legitimate causes is diverted and ends up as bribes in the pockets of a few corrupt individuals, thereby depriving the nation of much-needed resources,” she said.

She added that the ACC worked in close collaboration with RTSA during the investigation, and emphasized the importance of institutional cooperation during corruption probes.

“Sometimes institutions delay or outrightly refuse to cooperate. Our requests are made in accordance with the law and are essential to the success of our investigations. Failure to comply may hinder our ability to prosecute cases — which has serious consequences for our country,” Chabu said.

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