ZAMBIA: Minister sacked amid corruption scandal

Zambia’s President Edgar Lungu has fired the minister in charge of community development and social welfare, making her the first casualty of an investigation into what happened to about $4.3m (£3.3m) meant for poor families. Mr Lungu acted “swiftly” by relieving Emerine Kabanshi of her post following allegations of the “misuse” of money in her […]

Zambia’s President Edgar Lungu has fired the minister in charge of community development and social welfare, making her the first casualty of an investigation into what happened to about $4.3m (£3.3m) meant for poor families.

Mr Lungu acted “swiftly” by relieving Emerine Kabanshi of her post following allegations of the “misuse” of money in her ministry, chief government spokeswoman Dora Siliya said in a tweet.

The money had gone missing from the Social Cash Transfer programme, and had been used to buy expensive vehicles, according to the UK-based journal Africa Confidential.

The UK has suspended direct financial aid to Zambia following the allegations, saying it takes a “zero-tolerance approach” to corruption and fraud. Ireland, Sweden and Finland have also freezed aid to the country.