Choma Deputy Headteacher Loses K28,000 in Aviator Gambling – Govt Recovers Funds
In a startling case of financial misconduct, the Zambian government has recovered K28,000 that was misappropriated by a deputy headteacher in Choma after he allegedly lost the funds to online gambling on the popular betting platform, Aviator.
The money, which was part of the Social Cash Transfer Programme meant to assist vulnerable households, was entrusted to the deputy headteacher who also served as a Pay Point Manager. Instead of disbursing the funds as intended, he reportedly used the entire sum to gamble — and lost.
The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services confirmed the incident, stating that swift action was taken to retrieve the stolen funds. The official involved has since been dismissed from his position.
“Such incidents are deeply regrettable and undermine the trust and purpose of social support initiatives designed to help the poorest members of our society,” said a spokesperson from the ministry.
The ministry also announced that it is intensifying efforts to digitize the payment system for Social Cash Transfers in order to prevent future misuse and reduce human involvement in handling the funds.
This case also shines a light on the rising trend of online gambling addiction in Zambia, especially involving platforms like Aviator. The Ministry has called on citizens to remain vigilant and report any misuse of public funds or suspicious activities.
Public Reaction & Concerns
The revelation has sparked widespread debate online, with many expressing shock over the ease with which public officers can access and misuse government funds. Others have raised alarm over the growing grip of online betting platforms, especially in schools and among public servants.
Meanwhile, community members and civil society organizations have commended the government for acting swiftly and recovering the funds — but have also urged for more robust preventative measures and stricter oversight.
Protecting Public Resources
The Ministry is encouraging whistleblowing and is working to strengthen monitoring mechanisms within social programs. As digital systems roll out, it’s expected that incidents like this will become harder to execute undetected.
For now, this case serves as both a warning and a wake-up call — one that highlights the urgent need to balance innovation in financial services with accountability and ethical standards, particularly in public service.
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