Police in Lundazi District, Eastern Province, have arrested two ATM custodians at the ZANACO Lundazi Branch in connection with the alleged theft of more than K1 million. The suspects, Melinda Longwa (42) and Jessy Phiri (29), are facing allegations of theft by servant after…

Police in Lundazi District, Eastern Province, have arrested two ATM custodians at the ZANACO Lundazi Branch in connection with the alleged theft of more than K1 million.

The suspects, Melinda Longwa (42) and Jessy Phiri (29), are facing allegations of theft by servant after K1,000,050 reportedly went missing from the bank’s ATM room.

Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba said the suspected theft was uncovered during a surprise cash inspection conducted by Branch Manager McDonald Milambo Mutambwa before the custodians were due to load K1,000,600 into the ATMs.

According to Mr. Mweemba, the inspection revealed a discrepancy of K1,000,050 between the cash expected and the amount found in the ATM machines. A reconciliation carried out by ZANACO ATM operations specialists from the bank’s head office confirmed that the general ledger balances did not match the physical cash count.

When questioned, the two suspects reportedly claimed they had accidentally swapped ATM cash cassettes on an earlier date, placing K100 notes in a cassette meant for K500 notes. They alleged this resulted in customers withdrawing more money than intended.

The suspects further told investigators they failed to report the error because they feared losing their jobs.

Police have since detained the pair as investigations into the matter continue.