Four employees of Chipata Level One Hospital in Lusaka have been found with a case to answer in a matter involving the alleged theft of COVID-19 kits valued at over K2.8 million.
The accused individuals are Judith Dzekedzeke, 46, a biomedical technician; Malama Nkhata, 44, a driver; Langson Kampango, 54, also a biomedical technician and Hilton Kasanyika, 28, a station handyman.
The four face two counts of theft by a public servant, contrary to Sections 272 and 277 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia, and theft, contrary to Section 272 of the same code.
The state alleges that the accused, in their capacities as employees of the Ministry of Health, stole COVID-19 RTD kits valued at K2,834,777.
The offenses are said to have occurred between January 1, 2022, and March 30, 2023.
Lusaka Magistrate Anna Holland, in her ruling on the case to answer yesterday, stated that the court was satisfied the state had established a prima facie case against the accused.
She noted that sufficient evidence had been presented, warranting the accused to provide a defense.
Magistrate Holland set January 29, 2025, as the date for the commencement of the defense.