ZNS Chief, Mweene, counters allegations of contaminated maize, mealie meal made by Nakacinda

Zambia National Service (ZNS) chief of plant Brigadier General Kebby Mweene has insisted that all mealie meal produced by the service undergoes strict physical and laboratory testing to ensure it is safe for public consumption.

General Mweene appeared before the Lusaka Magistrate Court as the second prosecution witness in the case where PF faction Secretary General Raphael Nakacinda is charged with sedition.

Nakacinda allegedly claimed on August 21, 2024, that the UPND government was committing “genocide” by distributing contaminated maize and mealie meal, which he said had killed dogs and an unspecified number of citizens.

General Mweene, 51, of Monze, said he serves as chief of the ZNS milling plant and oversees all production processes.

He testified that on October 10, 2024, he was summoned by Inspector Chikuse to explain how maize was procured and processed at the plant.

He told the court that ZNS sources maize from the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) and local farmers. Before milling, he said, all maize undergoes physical and laboratory tests “to ensure it is fit for milling,” adding that only mealie meal certified as safe is released onto the market.

General Mweene produced two Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA), formerly ZABS, laboratory reports dated January 23 and May 3, 2024.

The documents highlighted moisture and ash content, sample conditions, machinery status and personnel availability, and certified whether the samples had passed quality tests.

During cross-examination, defence lawyer Chongola questioned the witness on the scope of his testimony, noting that he had only spoken about production processes and not the subject of the police inquiry that led to his statement.

General Mweene acknowledged that he did not disclose the reasons for Inspector Chikuse summoning him but insisted his role was limited to explaining how ZNS ensures product safety.

He confirmed that ZNS began producing mealie meal in December 2021 and was not the only milling institution in the country.

He also agreed that the government has a responsibility to ensure citizens are not fed unsafe food.

When asked about aflatoxins, General Mweene said ZNS mealie meal contained none. He acknowledged hearing reports — first on social media and later through a ministerial statement — that about 400 dogs had died after consuming contaminated food, but said he was not medically qualified to comment on the effects.

The matter was adjourned to January 15, 2025, for continuation of trial.

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