ACC to summon former envoy to Moscow

THE Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) intends to summon former Zambian ambassador to Russia Patrick Sinyinza over US$1,700 allegedly paid to him irregularly when he represented the country from 2010 to 2012.

This follows revelations by the latest Auditor General’s report that the diplomat was in August 2011 paid $800 followed by $1,000 in December as extra accreditation allowance when the maximum he was entitled to was $550.

Mr Sinyinza, who was in Moscow from February 2010 to February 2012, is presumed to have represented Zambia in 11 other countries in the region and was entitled to $50 per nation.

However, the latest Auditor General’s report states that he only presented his credentials to two out of the 11 countries, meaning that he was entitled to get only $100 as extra accreditation allowance.

Efforts to get Mr Sinyinza failed by Press time, but ACC spokesperson Timothy Moono said the Commission had taken interest in the revelations of the report.

“I wish to acknowledge receipt of your Press query in which you wanted to know the Commission’s position regarding the revelation in the latest Auditor General’s report on irregular payment of $1,800 to the Zambia Ambassador to Russia instead of $100,” Mr Moono said.

“I wish to inform you that the Commission is currently studying the Auditor General’s report to establish cases that can be pursued under its mandate.”

Mr Moono said the ACC also took cognisance of the already existing administrative provisions for recovery of irregular payments where there was genuine oversight of procedure.