Six Copperbelt PF officials axed over land

Thu, 13 Apr 2017 09:29:26 +0000

By VIOLET TEMBO

THE Patriotic Front (PF) party on the Copperbelt has removed six of its party and security officials for indiscipline in connection with allegations of illegal land dealings and has ordered that the vacant positions be filled.

And the party executive has charged Ndola district secretary Benjamin Chitondo with indiscipline over alleged involvement in illegal land deals.

And the Ndola PF security wing has been disbanded with immediate effect.

This is according to letters obtained by the Daily Nation in Ndola and signed by party provincial secretary Mike Manda.

The officials that have been relieved of their positions from the district and constituency include Jeffrey Chulu (Kabushi constituency vice treasurer) Chisani (Chifubu vice youth chairperson),Chivas Munekope, Mwengule Mushota Chule, Geoffrey Musonda, also known as Fyola Fyola and Chumbu.

The letter stated that the party has been forced to take the action because their names had come out prominently in illegal land allocation.

“The province has noted with sadness over the development of officials being involved in illegal land allocation and after carrying out investigations, it has been proved without doubt that the officials are culprits.

‘‘Your names have come out prominently in the matter and it is with immediate effect that we have decided to remove you from your positions and (you) shall not in any way participate in party functions,” says the letter.

Sources within the party who sought anonymity stated that the district executive was expected to sit yesterday and deliver the letters.

The source said that the office has been directed to look for individuals to fill the positions.

“They have not been issued with the letters yet and it is expected that they will be given this afternoon. Word has already gone round of their fate but they are waiting for the official communication.

‘‘What is disappointing is that the provincial administration has not given the officials an opportunity to exculpate themselves.

The named officials in question are part of the group that fought on Monday over land in Dola Hill.

Discipline has only been meted out to persons from one group.

Party district secretary Chitondo, who is accused of being the mastermind of illegal land allocation in Ndola, has been charged with three counts of indiscipline.

The letter indicated that the party was not pleased that its senior official in the district ‘‘chose wilfully to disregard party etiquette’’ by allegedly engaging in illegal land deals.

When contacted Mr Chitondo admitted having been served with a disciplinary letter, stating that he has since responded to the allegations levelled against him.

“I cannot give much details on the matter because I am in Masaiti where I am part of the team campaigning for the council chairperson.

‘‘But I gave my side of the story but will respond to media queries when I return to Ndola,” Mr Chitondo said.