Sun, 31 Dec 2017 08:56:26 +0000
…as Mukula escort staff robbed of K30,000
By ANNIE ZULU
UNRULY UPND cadres on Friday intercepted 11 containerised trucks laden with Mukula logs in Shimabala area and harassed the drivers and escort staff from whom they stole more than K30, 000 cash and documents.
Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Stardy Mwale said suspected UPND cadres were the first to intercept the trucks and were later joined by PF cadres on suspicion that the consignment belonged to senior Government officials and it was transported illegally.
However, Zambia Forest and Forestry Industry Corporation Limited (ZAFFICO) Managing Director Frighton Sichone confirmed that the consignment belonged to ZAFFICO and that it was transported legally.
However, PF national youth chairperson Stephen Kampyongo described the incident as uncalled for and has demanded for the immediate arrest of those involved.
Mr Mwale said at a press briefing in Lusaka yesterday that ZAFFICO was transporting the trucks to Chirundu when they were intercepted by suspected UPND cadres and later by PF cadres.
Mr Mwale said the trucks were legally transported by ZAFFICO and those behind the interception face arrest.
He disclosed that officials from ZAFFICO were robbed of some official documents for the movement of the trucks and money amounting to K30, 000.00 in the process.
He clarified that ZAFFICO was given a mandate by Government to export the confiscated Mukula logs to China on its behalf.
“On December 29, 2017, ZAFFICO was transporting 10 containerised trucks laden with Mukula logs from Lusaka to Chirundu and a further 10 trucks from Mporokoso and Nsama to Chirundu when they were intercepted in Shimabala area initially by suspected UPND and later PF cadres.
“This was on allegations that the consignment belonged to very senior Government officials and were being illegally transported without documentation.
“The Zambia National Service officers on a routine patrol rushed to the scene and moved the ten trucks to a secure place in ZNS Kafue camp, while the remaining 10 were secured at Chilanga police camp. The defence and security wings have since taken up the issue and are investigating the issue and the culprits will be brought to book,” he said.
And Mr Mwale has described as false the allegations that senior Government officials were involved in the illegal exportation of the Mukula logs in question.
He however, warned that the defence and security personnel were on high alert and would deal sternly with all those that might want to involve themselves in the illegal harvesting and exporting of the mukula tree. “I wish to inform the nation that the allegation that senior Government officials were involved in exportation of the Mukula logs in question is false, however once it is discovered that officials are involved in illegal harvesting of the tree, they will be dealt with accordingly as the law of the land will take its course,” Mr Mwale said.
