DEC Arrests Three ZAMMSA Officials Over Procurement Violations

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has arrested three officials, two former and one serving, from the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) for alleged violations of public procurement laws.

DEC Public Relations Officer Allan Tamba confirmed to ZNBC News on Sunday that the suspects include former Director General Victor Nyasul, former Director of Supply Planning Nalishebo Siyandi, and current Director of Procurement Nchimunya Habbadu. They have been released on police bond pending judicial proceedings.  

Tamba stated that the arrests stem from non-compliance with public procurement regulations in the awarding of contracts for medical supplies.

“The trio, between January 2023 and December 2025, failed to comply with procurement laws in awarding contracts to 26 companies, leading to wasteful expenditure and the purchase of medicines that did not meet the required 80 percent shelf-life threshold,” Tamba said.

He further urged professionals entrusted with managing public resources, including significant donor funds, to uphold the highest ethical standards and avoid abusing their positions for personal gain.