Health Minister fired

Zambia's presidency has announced the sacking of Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya who was arrested for graft charges last year, but later cleared. A report on the EWN site notes that Chilufya was accused of fraudulently acquiring property. After a court cleared him of the charges in August due to lack of evidence he resumed his duties. However, President Edgar Lungu unexpectedly fired the Minister 'with immediate effect' and without any reasons. Chilufya's sacking comes days after parliament quizzed officials over irregularities cited in an audit of financial statements released last year. The Health Ministry misused $17m of public money meant to fund rubber gloves, condoms and medical kits.