PETAUKE SECONDARY SCHOOL HEAD TEACHER ARRESTED FOR CORRUPTION

In a significant move towards combating corruption in the education sector, the Anti-Corruption Commission in Chipata has apprehended Simeon Sayenela Lungu, the Head Teacher of Petauke Boarding Secondary School. The arrest follows allegations of Abuse of Authority of Office amounting to over K21,000.00.

Mr. Lungu, 50 years old and residing at house number B1 in Chipata Day Secondary School Teachers compound, has been charged with nine counts of Abuse of Authority of Office in accordance with Section 21 (1) (a) as read with Section 41 of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012.

The accusations pertain to actions committed between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2020. Simeon Lungu, a public officer and the Head Teacher at Chipata Day Secondary School in Chipata District, is alleged to have misused the authority of his office by authorizing the disbursement of Daily Subsistence Allowances (DSA) and loan payments to himself and other staff members. These actions were executed using public funds, undermining the interests of the Government of the Republic of Zambia.

The investigation indicates that Mr. Lungu, on various occasions, sanctioned loan payments to himself in amounts of K5,000.00, K3,000.00, and K6,000.00 from public funds. Additionally, he authorized similar loan facilities to three members of staff and one member of the school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA), each receiving K1,000.00 and K1,500.00 respectively.

Furthermore, it is alleged that Mr. Lungu approved DSA payments of K2,020.00 to himself for a private business trip to Lusaka, even utilizing the school bus for his personal journey. Moreover, he authorized a payment of K915.00 to a school driver as DSA and transport costs, enabling the driver to travel to Lusaka to drive Mr. Lungu’s personal vehicle when he was unable to do so.

Simeon Sayenela Lungu has been granted release on bond and is expected to make a court appearance in the near future. This arrest underscores the commitment to curbing corruption within educational institutions, emphasizing the importance of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct among public officials.

The Anti-Corruption Commission’s decisive action signals a stride towards maintaining integrity and trust within the education system, serving as a reminder that no individual is above the law.