Case Overview

Mathias Sichilima, a pharmacist employed under the Ministry of Health at Mwachisompola Clinic in Chibombo District of Central Province, stood charged before the Economic and Financial Crimes Court in Kabwe with one count of Theft by Public Servant. It was alleged that on 10th February, 2024, the accused person being an employee of Ministry of Health as a Pharmacist did steal five (05) boxes of septrin medicine valued at K99,000:00 the property of the Government of the Republic of Zambia (Ministry of Health).

Legal Proceedings

He pleaded not guilty before Hon. Chipasha (RM) and the matter proceeded to trial. He was found guilty as charged. Among the witnesses who testified before court was the taxi driver who narrated how he was booked by the accused person to ferry the said boxes of septrin from the clinic to a nearby farm where at the directive and in the presence of the accused the same property were transferred onto a private motor vehicle.

Sentence

The Honorable Magistrate sentenced Mathias Sichilima to 18 Months imprisonment with hard labor on 31st July, 2024. Theft of medicine by a health care provider raises a serious ethical concern and presents a violation of the professional standards and codes of conduct expected from health care providers. The conviction of Mathias Sichilima serves as a deterrent measure for public officers to observe ethical professional standards and code of conduct expected from them as they are entrusted with the proper management of medication for the patients.