DIRECTOR General of the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) Nason Banda, has cautioned the public against jumping into conclusions about individuals named in the ongoing forensic audit into suspected irregularities at the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA).
He said mere mention in the report does not amount to criminal guilt.
Speaking when he featured on Phoenix FM this morning, Banda made it clear that a forensic audit is not an arrest warrant but simply a tool to guide investigations.
He explained that the audit, which was commissioned by the Attorney General’s office and conducted with support from specialised agencies, is only meant to help law enforcement identify possible leads, not to pass judgment.
“When you get in a forensic audit of this nature, it does not instantly mean anybody mentioned there must be arrested, no,” Banda stressed.
The DEC boss revealed that so far, three high-profile individuals have been arrested in connection with the ZAMMSA investigations and will appear in court soon, as the Commission continues to pursue the case within the framework of the law.
Banda said the commission acted swiftly when it detected signs of mismanagement that may have contributed to the nationwide shortage of medicines and called on citizens to remain patient and avoid fueling public speculation.
The ZAMSA scandal has sparked widespread concern, especially after hospitals across the country reported critical shortages of essential drugs and medical supplies.
Meanwhile, DEC has continued working with other investigative agencies to probe the matter, as public attention remains focused on the outcome of the forensic audit and subsequent prosecutions.
By George Musonda
Kalemba July 29, 2025
