Forensic expert backs Lungu's war against fiscal crimes

Sun, 11 Feb 2018 09:16:57 +0000

By BENNIE MUNDANDO

PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu’s call to investigative wings and controlling officers to be serious in fighting financial and economic crimes must be supported by all, says a forensic expert.

Professor Gibson Mwewa noted that President Lungu’s call to stamp out financial crimes was timely as they tend to sabotage the social and economic development of the country.

Prof Mwewa, is the author of the book, “Principles of Forensic Investigations; Financial and Economic Crimes.”

Prof Mwewa noted that financial and economic crimes engulfing and sabotaging the social economic development needed concerted efforts by all stakeholders if the fight was to yield any tangible results.

“Zambia has over five agencies responsible for investigating and prosecuting financial and economic crimes. In addition there is the Auditor General, the Judiciary, and others, yet it is taking the President to challenge these men and women entrusted with such responsibilities to wake up and do their duties,” he said.

He noted that there appeared to be no joint operations among agencies as they were allegedly working in isolation, adding that there was need for establishing joint operations to quicken the conclusion of cases under investigation.

“There are a lot officers who are at the centre of committing financial crimes such as corruption and bribery yet little or nothing is being done by their supervisors to stop the perpetuation of such behaviour.

“I also wish to suggest that a law must be enacted compelling all senior officers from the rank of commissioner, permanent secretaries and ministers to be declaring their assets and business interests to ensure accountability and stamping out abusive of authority,” Prof Mwewa said