The Economic and Financial Crimes Court has sentenced four Ministry of Health employees to prison for stealing COVID-19 rapid diagnostic test kits valued at K2.8 million, property of the Zambian government.
Lusaka Magistrate Anna Holland convicted Judith Dzekedzeke, 46, Langson Kampango, 54, both biomedical technicians, and Malama Nkhata, 44, a driver, sentencing them to three years imprisonment with hard labour for theft by public servant. Hilton Kasanyike, a station hand, received a two-year sentence for theft.
The four, stationed at Chipata Level One Hospital in Lusaka, were found guilty of stealing the medical supplies between January 1, 2022, and March 30, 2023.
Magistrate Holland cited evidence showing that Dzekedzeke, as the supervisor, requested the supplies, while Kasanyike, despite being a volunteer without authorization, signed for them. Nkhata and Kampango, in their respective roles, were involved in transporting the stolen items.
“The only reason one would proceed to act in a manner they know is unauthorized is if they are benefiting in some way,” Magistrate Holland stated.
She stated that the prosecution had proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused acted together in committing the offence.
The magistrate referenced Section 265(1) of the Penal Code, which defines theft as fraudulently taking or converting property with intent to permanently deprive the rightful owner. She further cited legal precedents establishing theft by public servant as involving both the act of theft and the theft of employer-owned property.
In their mitigation, the convicts pleaded for leniency, stating they were first-time offenders with dependents. They requested a suspended sentence under Section 16 of the Criminal Procedure Code. However, Magistrate Holland ruled that their actions harmed public trust and compromised the integrity of the healthcare system.
While acknowledging their plea, she imposed custodial sentences, noting the seriousness of the offence.
