By SIMON MUNTEMBA
THERE is need for the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) to exhibit high levels of professionalism, justice and fairness when dealing with mere suspects for ordinary citizens to have much confidence in investing in Zambia without fear of being harassed, former Kafue aspiring member of Parliament Maxwell Chongu has said.
Mr Chongu appealed to President Hakainde Hichilema to caution the DEC to exhibit professionalism so as not to scare Zambians from investing in their own country. He said in an interview that having properties of mere suspects being seized and accounts frozen without any incriminating evidence was discouraging citizens to invest in the country.
“DEC is expected to exhibit high levels of professionalism, justice and fairness for ordinary citizens to have much confidence in investing in our country without fear of being harassed, intimidated, inconvenienced and traumatised worse off having the properties seized and accounts frozen without any incriminating evidence,” Mr Chongu said.
Mr Chongu however said he was a strong supporter of the fight against corruption, the recovery of stolen government assets and public funds, but the fight against graft must be done professionally.
He said it was shocking to note that DEC would still hold on to people’s assets for months and years in the name of investigations.
Mr Chongu also implored DEC Director General, Mary Chirwa to expedite pending cases by making sure that those found wanting were quickly taken to court and those without cases should have their assets given back so as win the people’s confidence.
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