Livingstone City Council Accountant on the Run After Alleged K316,000 CDF Theft

The Livingstone City Council is at the center of a financial scandal after an assistant accountant allegedly vanished with Constituency Development Funds (CDF) amounting to K316,000.

The suspect, identified as Sydney Silwimba, is accused of siphoning the money between January 1, 2024, and June 5, 2025. According to police, the funds — meant to support local cooperatives in the Livingstone Constituency — were diverted into Silwimba’s personal accounts and those of selected individuals.

The CDF grants were intended to help residents buy goats, sewing machines, farming inputs, and other tools to boost small-scale projects. Instead, investigators say the money was rerouted for personal gain. Police have since traced three bank accounts linked to Silwimba, including one belonging to a relative believed to have benefited from the alleged scheme.

Southern Province Police Commanding Officer Auxensio Daka confirmed that a manhunt has been launched for the missing accountant.

“A manhunt for him has been launched,” Daka stated.

In connection with the investigation, Ernest Zembo, 33, an internal auditor at the council, has been arrested to assist authorities with their inquiries. Zembo, of Nottie Broad Township, remains in police custody as officers piece together the money trail.

Silwimba, who abandoned his duties at the council, is believed to still be within Livingstone. Police have urged residents to report any sightings immediately, warning that the suspect should be apprehended before further fraudulent activities can occur.

The case has raised serious concerns about the management of public funds, particularly in programs designed to empower communities. As the investigation continues, many are calling for stricter monitoring and accountability measures to ensure CDF resources reach their intended beneficiaries.