Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: 26th April, 2025.
Lusaka, Zambia.
In a decisive move to protect public health resources, the Task Force on the Theft of Government Medicines has recovered stolen pharmaceuticals and arrested two individuals following targeted operations across Southern, Western, and Lusaka Provinces.
During a series of raids, authorities uncovered medicines at a pharmacy in Western Province that were traced back to the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) inventory. This discovery triggered a wider investigation leading to Lusaka, where two suspects were apprehended in connection with the illicit possession of government medicines.
On 17th April 2025, 56-year-old Ruth Ngoma was arrested in Lusaka District after being found with assorted medicines valued at approximately K22,422. The items, believed to have been stolen from Kalingalinga Health Centre, resulted in Ngoma being formally charged with Theft by Public Servant under Section 277, Cap 87 of the Penal Code.
A second suspect, 47-year-old Audrey Yambala, was arrested the following day on charges related to the unlawful possession of a box of Zinnia F contraceptives, linked to a batch number recorded in ZAMMSA’s system. Yambala faces charges under Section 319 of the Penal Code for possession of suspected stolen property.
In addition to contraceptives, the recovered medicines include critical treatments such as Depo-Provera and antimalarial drugs. Investigators have further linked the stolen items to a foreign national, who remains unknown. A manhunt is currently underway to bring the individual to justice.
Both Ngoma and Yambala have been released on police bonds as investigations continue.
Authorities have issued a strong warning to all medicine suppliers to comply strictly with established laws and guidelines. They emphasized that any breach will result in confiscation of goods and legal action.
The public is also encouraged to play an active role in protecting national health resources by reporting suspicious activities to the Drug Enforcement Commission, the Zambia Police Service, or other relevant law enforcement bodies.
The New Dawn Government remains resolute in its efforts to safeguard public assets and uphold the integrity of the healthcare system.
The Agency