In a landmark conviction that underscores the commitment of the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) to upholding justice and accountability, Raymond Tapiseni, the former Finance Manager of Zambia Health Education and Communication Trust (ZHECT), has been convicted and sentenced to 6 years of imprisonment with hard labour by Hon. Ngobola at the Lusaka Magistrates Court.
Tapiseni was found guilty on a staggering 69 counts, including 63 counts of forgery contrary to sections 347 and 342 of the Penal Code, 1 count of uttering false documents contrary to section 352 of the Penal Code, and 5 counts of theft by servant contrary to sections 272 and 278 of the Penal Code. His conviction follows a meticulously detailed investigation conducted by the Zambia Police Service that brought to light the fraudulent activities spanning from June 24, 2016, to July 1, 2020.
In his capacity as Finance Manager for ZHECT, a Non-Governmental Organization funded by USAID and other international donors, Tapiseni devised an elaborate scheme to syphon funds meant for statutory contributions. He embezzled over K5 million, funds designated for the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) as Pay As You Earn (PAYE) contributions for ZHECT employees.
Tapiseni orchestrated the diversion of these funds into four personal bank accounts held at various local banks across the country. He achieved this by manipulating financial records and creating fraudulent ZRA tax online receipts that he purported to be genuine receipts issued by ZRA. These fake documents were then presented as proof of payment to ZRA, while the actual funds were diverted into his personal accounts. His cunning method of operation, which involved the creation of forged documents to cover his tracks, represents a significant breach of trust and a serious affront to the integrity of the financial management of public and donor funds.
Today’s conviction reflects the National Prosecution Authority’s unwavering commitment to pursuing justice without fear or favor. Tapiseni’s sentence is a stern reminder that no individual is above the law, and that those who abuse the trust placed on them in order to defraud public institutions and organizations will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
The NPA commends the work of the investigating team and all those involved in this case for their dedication and perseverance in bringing this matter to a successful conclusion. We remain resolute in our mission to combat corruption and other financial crimes in Zambia, ensuring that public and donor funds are safeguarded from exploitation and misuse.
The National Prosecution Authority urges all organizations to remain vigilant against fraud and to implement robust financial management systems that prevent such acts of theft and forgery. We encourage the public to report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities and we assure them that all cases will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Raymond Tapiseni begun his 6-year sentence on 11th September, 2024, marking a significant step towards justice and serving as a powerful deterrent against financial misconduct.