Chisamba District Commissioner Joel Mboyoma has cautioned guardians of illiterate Social Cash Transfer (SCT) beneficiaries to desist from stealing their money which the Government pays them through their mobile phones.

Mr Mboyoma notes that some guardians have a tendency of withdrawing money from SCT beneficiaries’ mobiles phones without informing the targeted beneficiaries.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS, Mr Mboyoma observed that the beneficiaries are often told that their accounts have not yet been credited and continue to wait.

He described the behaviour as immoral and illegal.

“It is unfair for people to steal from their grandparents and other beneficiaries in their care simply because they cannot read and write. That is theft, those who will be found wanting will be dealt with accordingly,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mboyoma disclosed that the Government has released over K 10 million for the implementation of the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) programme in the district.

He said the funds are meant for the November and December 2024 pay cycles.

Mr Mboyoma stated that the money will cater for both regular SCT and Emergency Cash Transfer beneficiaries who receive their transfers through the rural payment mode.

“Government has released a total of K 10, 824,800.00 to pay beneficiaries who are yet to migrate to the digital payment mode, those paid through the digital mode will receive their transfers through their mobile service providers,” he said.

Mr. Mboyoma reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to alleviating extreme poverty and hunger among vulnerable households.

Emmah Kasikili, a sixty-year-old SCT beneficiary thanked the government for its continued financial support.

“I am physically challenged hence it is difficult for me to do income generating activities. This money really helps me buy food and other household goods,” Ms. Kasikili said