The Drug Enforcement Commission of Zambia (DEC) has arrested Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Andrew Kamanga and his secretary general Rueben Kamanga, as well as two others, Madalitso Kamanga and Jairous Siame, for “obtaining money by false pretence contrary to Section 309 of the Penal Code Cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia.”
The four are accused of misappropriating state funds totaling K341,902.00, which were allegedly paid to two non-FAZ officials, Madalitso and Siame, including K99,980 for air tickets to Ivory Coast for the 2023 AFCON.
“DEC investigations revealed that the suspects, while acting together, obtained K341, 902.00 from the Government of the Republic of Zambia under false pretenses. This money was purportedly allocated as allowances for Madalitso Kamanga and Jairous Siame to attend the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The allowances were transferred into their personal accounts, with each one (Madalitso and Jairous) getting K170, 951.00. Furthermore, the duo also obtained return tickets valued at K99,980.00,” read DEC’s statement, in part issued by its Assistant Public Relations Officer, Sydney Katongo.
The statement continued: “It was discovered that the funds were disbursed to two individuals under the guise of being FAZ officials, necessitating their attendance with the advance party for AFCON.
“However, investigations revealed that neither Madalitso Kamanga nor Jairous Siame held official or executive positions within the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ).
“This fraudulent activity transpired between January 1 and February 15, 2024, coinciding with the dates of the Africa Cup of Nations held in Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11, 2024.”
Katongo also revealed that the suspects were finalizing bond processes and will appear in court soon.
