ACC Arrests Chama DEBS Over Alleged Corrupt Practices in School Feeding Programme Involving Over K2 Million

by Saviour Simulindi

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has arrested and charged the Chama District Education Board Secretary, Mr Titus Mbewe, over alleged corrupt practices involving more than K2,000,000.

In a media release dated 18 October 2026, the ACC said Mr Mbewe, 56, has been charged with two counts of Abuse of Authority of Office contrary to Section 21(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act, Chapter 91 of the Laws of Zambia, and one count of Wilful Failure to Follow Applicable Procedure contrary to Section 34(2)(b) of the same Act.

According to the ACC, the first two counts relate to the period between January 2025 and December 2025, when Mr Mbewe was serving as DEBS for Mkushi District. It alleges that he facilitated a payment of K1,424,115 to Frelun Commodities Limited for the supply of white maize, and K1,073,000 to Ichikwanka Multi-Purpose Cooperative for the supply of dried beans, before the contracts were approved by the Mkushi Council Secretary, and that he authorised full payment to the suppliers before the goods were delivered.

In the third count, the ACC alleges that, acting with other persons unknown, Mr Mbewe facilitated the abrogation of procedure by purporting that the Evaluation Committee and Procurement Committee had evaluated the tenders when they had not.

The Commission said Mr Mbewe has been released on bond and will appear in court soon.