The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has arrested and charged former Monze Town Council Secretary, Benson Bweenje, and former Councilor for Hamangaba Ward in Bweengwa Constituency, Maybin Mudenda Choongo, for Conflict of Interest.
Benson Bweenje, aged 47 and currently serving as Council Secretary at Itezhi Tezhi Town Council, has been charged with one count of Conflict of Interest under Zambian laws. Similarly, Maybin Mudenda Choongo, aged 42 and hailing from Choma, has also been charged with one count of Conflict of Interest.
The allegations against Bweenje and Choongo involve their participation in the decision-making process of the Monze Town Council regarding the subdivision and change of use of Plot 271 Sinaluchaba Road in Monze without declaring their interests, despite the matter concerning the public body of the Monze Town Council.
According to ACC investigations, Plot 271 Sinaluchaba Road in Monze was initially owned by Mr. Boyd Chongo Mwanakambowe, who subsequently sold the land to Mr Bweenje and Mr Choongo in 2018 and 2019. The duo reportedly requested Mr. Mwanakambowe to apply for sub-division and change of land use, enabling commercial usage. Upon the application’s review by the Council, both Mr Bweenje and Mr Choongo participated in the decision-making process.
ACC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Timothy Moono, confirmed that both individuals have been released on bond and are scheduled to appear in court on 10th May 2024 to address the charges brought against them.