By 
Three ministers have been reported to the Anti-Corruption Commission for their alleged involvement in the smuggling of Eagle mealie meal using a cartel of state agents.
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, Kasonde Mwenda, reported the Defence Minister, Ambrose Lufuma, Agriculture Minister, Mtolo Phiri, and Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister, Chipoka Mulenga to the Commission.
Addressing journalists after reporting the matter at the Commission’s Head Office in Lusaka, Mwenda alleged that the activities were taking place at Kasumbalesa Border Post.
“We have infallible evidence (video and Pictorial) of the inexplicable ongoing state-sanctioned illegal export of mealie meal at the Kasumbalesa Border Post in thousands of tonnes at the moment when the country is reeling in excruciating hunger,” he said.
Mwenda claimed that the illegal scheme was well orchestrated and coordinated, with Zambia National Service (ZNS) Eagle branded mealie meal being covered and hidden under a layer of foreign-sourced mealie meal ferried by foreign trucks bearing South African number plates.
He demanded that the Commission expedite the investigation and curtail the corrupt act which he argued benefited only a few and was increasing hunger and fueling high mealie meal prices, making it impossible for common Zambians to afford the staple food.
Meanwhile, according to Phoenix FM, Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Chipoka Mulenga dismissed Mwenda’s claims, stating that he does not have anything to do with ZNS mealie meal and welcomed the investigations by security agencies.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments