The Zambia Police Service has arrested the Managing Director of a private firm, Mr. Abel Ng’andu, over allegations that he stole company money and used it for personal purposes. Mr. Ng’andu, who is 53 years old and lives in PHI area of Lusaka, was picked up by police officers and charged with Theft by Director, which is a crime under Section 279 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
The police said the total amount involved in the case is Five Hundred and Seventy-Five Thousand Kwacha (K575,000). This money reportedly belongs to Ng’andu Consulting Limited, a company that Mr. Ng’andu manages. Police say the funds were supposed to be company earnings, but they ended up in his personal bank account.
In a statement made available to journalists, Police Public Relations Officer Mr. Rae Hamoonga explained how the incident happened. He said the alleged offence took place over several months — between October 17, 2024, and March 2025.
According to Mr. Hamoonga, another businessman, Mr. Lusungu Nyirenda, who is the Managing Director of Walumart Auto Company Limited, was involved in the process. Mr. Nyirenda was acting as an agent of Ng’andu Consulting at the time. He helped sell seven motor vehicles on behalf of the company.
After the cars were sold, the total money made from the transactions, which is K575,000, was supposed to be paid into Ng’andu Consulting’s official business account. But instead, the money was allegedly transferred into Mr. Ng’andu’s personal bank account.
Investigations by the police have now revealed that the accused used the funds for his own benefit rather than for the company’s operations or interests. Police say this act violates his responsibility as a company director and goes against financial rules that guide how firms should be run in Zambia.
After his arrest, Mr. Abel Ng’andu was granted police bond, which means he has been released temporarily pending his appearance in court. He is expected to be formally charged and taken to court in the coming days, where he will have a chance to defend himself.
Meanwhile, the Zambia Police Service has used the opportunity to caution other company owners, directors, and managers against using company resources for personal gain. Mr. Hamoonga said that the police will not tolerate abuse of office or acts of dishonesty in corporate environments.
“Any abuse of office for personal enrichment will not be tolerated. The Zambia Police Service remains committed to upholding the law and ensuring accountability in both public and private institutions,” Mr. Hamoonga warned.
He also stressed that company directors are expected to act in the best interest of their organisations and avoid financial misconduct that could destroy public trust and harm the company’s image.
The arrest of Mr. Ng’andu has once again brought attention to the rising cases of white-collar crime in Zambia’s private sector. Many Zambians have expressed concern over the misuse of company funds by top officials, and there are increasing calls for stronger measures to ensure financial accountability.
Experts believe that incidents like this underline the need for tighter regulations and regular auditing of company finances to prevent such abuses. Transparency and good governance, they say, are necessary to protect investors and workers alike.
As the case moves to the court stage, many people will be watching closely to see how it unfolds and what penalties will follow if the accused is found guilty.
The Zambia Police Service says it is determined to clean up the corporate environment and restore confidence in the system by holding those who break the law accountable, regardless of their status or position.
