Police arrest Sisinje Ward Councillor, Phiri, for alleged theft of 450 bags of relief maize

Police in Eastern Province have formally arrested and charged Sisinje Ward Councillor under Chipangali Constituency, Phillip Phiri, for theft by public servant involving relief maize.

Phiri had been officially arrested and charged together with James Sakala, a resident of Nyakutwa area of Chipata District, according to Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga.

The Police Spokesperson said this in a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday.

He said this was in an incident of theft by public servant involving relief maize which occurred on January 25, 2024, at approximately 11:00 hours at Chipwizi Farm, situated off the Chipata-Mfuwe road, within Chipata District.

“Investigations into this matter have led to the identification and subsequent formal charging of two individuals namely Phillip Phiri, aged 23, residing at Mulundu Farm, Chief Chikuwe, in Chipangali District and serving as a Councillor for Sisinje Ward under Chipangali Constituency,” Hamoonga disclosed.

He said it had been determined Phiri was allegedly responsible for the theft of 450 bags of white maize, designated as relief food for vulnerable citizens within Sisinje Ward.

Hamoonga stated Phiri acted together with Sakala, aged 38, residing in the Nyakutwa area of Chipata District, in Eastern Province.

“Both individuals have been formally arrested and charged for their respective roles in the aforementioned theft,” he said.

Hamoonga added that following their arrest, both individuals had been released on Police Bond pending further legal proceedings.

He indicated that they were scheduled to appear in court in due course to answer for the charges brought against them.

“As Zambia Police Service we reiterate our commitment to ensuring justice and accountability in matters of theft and criminal activities, particularly those involving public servants entrusted with the welfare of vulnerable communities,” Hamoonga reiterated.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or information that may assist in combating such crimes.

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