THE Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has arrested four individuals, including the President and General Secretary of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), on money laundering charges.
Those arrested are; Andrew Kamanga (57), FAZ President, Rueben Kamanga (52), FAZ General Secretary, Madalitso Kamanga (53) and Jairous Siame (44).
DEC accused them of obtaining K341,902 from the government by false pretense, claiming it was allowance money for two individuals to attend the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON).
“The FAZ officials submitted a request for K341,902 to send two officials to AfCON,” said DEC Assistant Public Relations Officer Sydney Katongo. “The money was disbursed to Madalitso Kamanga and Jairous Siame, each receiving K170,951 into their personal accounts.”
However, investigations revealed that neither Kamanga nor Siame hold official positions within FAZ.
“They obtained the money under the false pretense of being FAZ officials attending AfCON with the advance party,” Katongo explained.
The alleged fraudulent activity occurred between January 1 and February 25, 2024, coinciding with the 2024 AfCON tournament held in Ivory Coast (January 13th – February 11th, 2024).
The four individuals are facing charges of obtaining money by false pretense, obtaining pecuniary advantage by false pretense, and conspiracy to defraud. They are currently finalizing bond procedures and are expected to appear in court soon.
Photo credit: Diamond TV
By Elesani Phiri
Kalemba April 23, 2024
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