Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Some opposition political parties have welcomed the conviction and sentencing to 18 years imprisonment of former Ministry of Health Chief Human Resource Officer, Henry Kapoko and four others for corruption and theft involving K6 million.
The sentence includes five years each for theft, 5 years for money laundering and a further nine for theft by public servant.
Steven katuka
UPND Secretary General, Steven Katuka says the trial and sentencing of Kapoko and four others for corruption and theft of public funds should serve as a lesson to government officers against engaging in corruption.
Mr. Katuka says such a punishment would serve as a deterrent for Zambians who want to engage in corruption irrespective of their positions.
He has told Q-news that public officers should understand that their job is a calling‚ and that they have a duty to serve the people Zambia.
And Third Liberation Movement president, Enock Tonga says the sentence is a great step in the fight against corruption.
Mr. Tonga says the convictions send a strong message that no one is above the law.
And New Congress Party president, Peter Chanda says the sentence is a signal to the public, especially those who handle public funds that they should desist from misusing them.
Mr. Chanda says the sentence further instills confidence in the country’s criminal justice system that those public officers stealing public funds will face the law.