LUSAKA – Zambia’s presidency yesterday announced the sacking of the health minister, who was arrested for alleged graft last year, but cleared of charges.
Chitalu Chilufya, 48, was held in June following accusations that he used ill-gotten gains to acquire property.
A court cleared him of the charges in August due to a lack of evidence, and he resumed his duties.
But, President Edgar Lungu unexpectedly fired him yesterday without giving any reason.
“President Lungu has terminated the appointment of Chitalu Chilufya as health minister with immediate effect,” said presidential spokesman Isaac Chipampe in a statement.
Chilufya’s sacking comes days after Parliament quizzed officials over irregularities cited in an audit of financial statements released last year.
The reports alleged that the Health Ministry misused US$17 million (RM68.7 million) in public money meant to fund rubber gloves, condoms and medical kits.
Several opposition leaders and civil society groups had since called on the president to remove Chilufya from office.
Chilufya has not yet responded to the accusations against him.
He is considered a potential candidate for the presidential election this August if Lungu is barred from running.
The president insists that he will stand for a third term despite repeatedly failing to amend the southern African country’s constitution in order to do so. – AFP, January 11, 2021
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