A FINANCE manager at World Vision Zambia (WVZ) has been arrested for alleged theft of more than K800 million.

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) arrested Samson Mpundu, 33, in Lusaka and charged him with theft by servant.

DEC public relations officer Samuel Silomba said Mr Mpundu is an accountant by profession and resides at Plot 482 Avondale in Lusaka.

He is alleged to have made fraudulent transfers of money to his personal account and to various vendors where he purchased a Toyota Hilux and a Nissan Sunny.

Mr Silomba said Mr Mpundu also purchased musical equipment from South Africa allegedly using World Vision Zambia funds.

"The total amount he stole between 1st January, 2012 and 31st September, 2012 is K822, 207, 869. 80. He has since been charged with theft by servant contrary to section 278 of the Penal Code Cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia and money laundering contrary to section 7 of Act 14 if 2001," he said.

He said Mr Mpundu had been released on police bond and would appear in court soon.

Meanwhile, the Commission in Mpika has arrested two people for trafficking in miraa.

Those arrested are Esther Chanda, 20, of Ntindi Village in Nakonde for trafficking in 56 bundles of miraa concealed in two suitcases and Mathews Musonda, 29, of Chozi in Nakonde for trafficking in 53 bundles of miraa.

Mr Silomba said the two were separately arrested on Kitwe-bound buses in Mpika.