Two FRA Officers Arrested Over Alleged K2,500 Bribe

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has intensified its oversight on agricultural marketing institutions following the arrest of two Food Reserve Agency (FRA) depot clerks in Chibombo District. The suspects, identified as 27-year-old Hapenga Beene and 26-year-old Inonge Mwaiba, stationed at the Keembe Farm Institute, were jointly charged with two counts of corrupt practices under the Anti-Corruption Act. The arrests highlight ongoing challenges with grassroots administrative integrity during critical crop-purchasing seasons. According to details released by ACC Head of Corporate Communications Joseph Mwenya, the officers allegedly targeted a local maize supplier, Berlin Malambo. Investigations revealed that Mr Malambo had delivered 100 bags of maize, each weighing 50 kilogrammes, to the FRA depot. However, the accused clerks reportedly provided only 10 of the mandatory FRA-branded grain bags, deliberately withholding the remaining 90 bags to coerce the farmer into paying a facilitation fee of K2,500. Records show that the supplier succumbed to the pressure and made a partial cash payment of K2,000 on October 13, 2026. Anti-Corruption Commission officials have strongly condemned the conduct, reiterating that all FRA-branded grain bags and standard processing services are provided to farmers completely free of charge. The commission emphasized that public officers have a solemn duty to facilitate government agricultural programs transparently, rather than converting public service delivery into extortion schemes. The commercial and logistical hurdles faced by small-scale farmers in rural depots have long been a focal point for agricultural advocacy groups seeking streamlined market access. Following their apprehension, the two suspects were released on bond and are scheduled to make their initial appearance in court on November 16, 2026. Legal experts note that if convicted, the accused face severe penalties meant to serve as a deterrent to other public service pe