Case overview
The accused person Ernest Chilonga stood charged with one count of Theft by Public Servant contrary to section 272 and 277 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia
On the 26th day of September, 2024, the accused person a head teacher at Mulwa Primary School in the Mongu District of the Western Province of Zambia was contracted as Pay point manager for Social Cash Transfer. On the material date the accused person went to Zambia Commercial Bank and withdrew k68,320.00 cash for which k64,000.00 was the property of the Government of the Republic of Zambia meant for Social Cash Transfer beneficiaries and the remaining k4,320.00 was his allowance.
Upon collection of the money from the bank the accused person did not go back to the school but instead lodged at an unnamed lodge where he started betting using an online sports betting website and lost all the money.
On the 7th of October, 2024 he went back to Mulwa Primary School where he requested all the beneficiaries to come and collect their money. During the collection process he told the beneficiaries that he had left the bag of money at his place and he needed to go and collect it. He returned and informed the beneficiaries and his colleagues that his house had been broken into and the bag of money was stolen.
Legal proceedings
Accused person pleaded not guilty before Hon. Phiri. The matter proceeded into trial. After the testimonies of 5 witnesses who were called by the Prosecution led by Senior Public Prosecutor Mrs. Grace Mulafulafu, the accused person was put on his defence.
Judgement of the court
On 29th July, 2025, the court delivered its Judgement and found the accused guilty of the offence of Theft by Public Servant. The convict hence awaits sentencing which is coming on the 8th day of August, 2025.