Integrity Over Temptation: Zambian Officers Honoured for Rejecting Massive Bribes

 By Maxwell Shumba

In a world where corruption often makes louder headlines than integrity, two Zambian public officers have reminded the nation that honesty still has defenders. Their stories are not just about rejecting money; they are about choosing duty over personal gain, principle over pressure, and the future of Zambia over momentary wealth.

At the centre of this powerful narrative is Detective Sergeant Ruth Nyambe of the Zambia Police Service, whose courage and professionalism recently earned her national recognition from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Her actions have become a shining example of what ethical public service should look like.

The incident unfolded at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, one of Zambia’s most sensitive points of entry and exit. During a routine operation, Detective Sergeant Nyambe intercepted a suspect who was attempting to travel out of the country carrying a staggering US$2 million in cash and pieces of suspected gold. As the gravity of the situation became clear, the suspect attempted to buy freedom.

What began as a US$5,000 bribe quickly escalated to an astonishing US$50,000—a life-changing sum by any standard. For many, such an offer might have introduced hesitation. For Nyambe, it did the opposite. She rejected the bribe outright, choosing the rule of law over personal enrichment. More importantly, she reported the attempted bribery to the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), ensuring that due process was followed and the matter proceeded to court.

Her actions sent a strong message: Zambia’s law enforcement officers are not for sale.

Recognising this rare and commendable act, ACC Director General Daphne Chabu publicly honoured Detective Sergeant Nyambe, praising her integrity, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to duty. The recognition was not merely symbolic; it was a reaffirmation that ethical conduct within public institutions is both valued and celebrated.

Alongside Nyambe, another public servant stood tall for integrity—Hendrix Mwinga, a technical plant health inspector under the Ministry of Agriculture’s Plant Quarantine and Phytosanitary Services (PQPS). His case unfolded far from the airport, at the Kazungula border, another critical checkpoint for Zambia’s economic and biosecurity interests.

Mr Mwinga was confronted with a K160,000 bribe from a milling company attempting to move three truckloads of imported wheat grain from South Africa into Zambia. Upon inspection, the wheat was found to contain excessive extraneous material, making it non-compliant with Zambian standards and potentially harmful to local agriculture and consumers.

Rather than compromise safety and regulations, Mwinga refused the bribe and reported the matter to PQPS management. His decision was backed by the institution, and the contaminated wheat was ordered to be sent back to its country of origin. In doing so, he protected not just regulatory standards, but also public health and the integrity of Zambia’s food supply chain.

Both officers were formally recognised during the 2025 Integrity Committee Chief Executive Officers’ Forum, an event dedicated to promoting ethical leadership and accountability across public institutions. Their recognition served as a powerful reminder that integrity is not abstract—it is lived through daily decisions, often made under immense pressure.

These stories come at a time when Zambia continues to fight corruption across sectors. While systems and policies are essential, the true strength of anti-corruption efforts lies in individuals who choose to do the right thing even when no one is watching—or when everything is at stake.

Detective Sergeant Ruth Nyambe and Inspector Hendrix Mwinga did more than reject bribes. They upheld the dignity of public service, strengthened public trust, and set a standard for others to follow. Their actions prove that integrity is still alive in Zambia—and when honoured and amplified, it can inspire a nation.

As Zambia builds towards a future anchored in transparency and accountability, such examples deserve not only applause, but emulation.