Copperbelt minister, Matambo, charges ZNS to step up anti-smuggling efforts

Copperbelt Province Minister, Elisha Matambo, has urged the Zambia National Service (ZNS) to intensify efforts to combat smuggling, describing the illegal activity as a serious threat to Zambia’s economy and national security.

Speaking when ZNS Commander Lieutenant General, Maliti Solochi, paid a courtesy call at his office on Thursday, Matambo warned against allowing smuggling to become a normalized practice in the country.

“We must fight it day and night to ensure we don’t create a perception that it is acceptable. There is a need for enhanced and unpredictable strategies that smugglers cannot anticipate,” he said.

The Minister expressed concern that smuggling remains a persistent hurdle that undermines economic progress and called for decisive action.

He also praised ZNS for its contributions to national development, particularly in areas such as food security and infrastructure, and commended the Service for aligning with President Hakainde Hichilema’s development agenda.

“The role of ZNS in advancing the President’s vision is commendable. Your presence here today to assess the smuggling situation on the ground is a sign of proactive leadership,” Matambo said.

In response, Lieutenant General Solochi acknowledged the growing challenge of smuggling and expressed concern over reports implicating some members of the defense and security wings in aiding smuggling operations.

“It is deeply troubling that some individuals involved in smuggling are in uniform. This undermines the integrity of our institutions.

“We are strengthening internal controls and will ensure that all those involved—whether civilian or uniformed—are held accountable,” he said.

The ZNS Commander reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to working with other security agencies and local authorities to enhance surveillance and border patrols in order to curb smuggling more effectively.

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