Greenbelt Authority Officials Held Over Weekend After ACB Arrests

Senior officials at the Greenbelt Authority are spending the weekend in police custody following their arrest by the Anti-Corruption Bureau yesterday, Friday, over alleged contract irregularities and questionable advance payments.

The Bureau arrested Greenbelt Authority Finance Manager Linda Phiri and Procurement Manager Masausto Kamowa. Also in custody are Kenneth Khonje of Eistein Construction and Victor Chabwera of PLMB Engineers.

Sources indicate that the arrests follow a complaint received by the ACB on November 10, 2025, alleging that the Greenbelt Authority dubiously awarded construction contracts earlier this year.

The Authority is accused of making advance payments amounting to K28.9 billion to several companies under suspicious circumstances.

Further allegations suggest that part of the money received by the construction firms was passed on to politicians to finance political campaigns, while some funds were allegedly shared with employees within the Greenbelt Authority.

Confirming the arrests, ACB Acting Director General said the operation is still ongoing and more arrests are expected.

“I can confirm the arrests made yesterday. However, I am unable to provide further details at this time, as the operation is still ongoing. The Anti-Corruption Bureau will issue a press statement once the arrests are complete and it is appropriate to do so,” he said.