Health ministry, Auditor General clash over suspected cashgate officials

Over 60 Health ministry officials who were suspended nine months ago for allegedly abusing huge sums of money meant for an HIV project funded by the US Centre for Disease Control, are back in office, comfortably, without any charges.

Ministry of Health spokesperson Adrian Chikumbe confirmed the 63 health officials were suspected to have drawn unjustified allowances and suspected theft of fuel for the project.

The suspects include the director of finance, the director of administration, accountants and drivers.

“The auditor general was supposed to give us the final report on the matter but they only gave us a preliminary report so natural justice demands that the suspects be heard. We could not put them on suspension for nine months,” he said.

Chikumbe said the 63 suspects are not answering any criminal charges amd are working normally.

However, auditor general Stevenson Kumphasa disputed the ministry of Health version of the story, saying his office gave the ministry a final report with recommendations.

The US embassy, whose funds were allegedly abused, is yet to comment on the matter.