By OLIVER SAMBOKO
GOVERNMENT has given amnesty to individuals that stole from Zambians during the previous administration to come forward and surrender the loot to avoid being prosecuted or jailed.
Vice President Mutale Nalumango said in Parliament yesterday during the question time that the recovery of stolen government assets and resources will continue as provided for by the laws of Zambia and cautioned individuals who could have stolen to own up and avoid lengthy court processes.
She urged individuals who know that they acquired assets from proceeds of crime to surrender them back so that the same can be used to develop the country.
Ms Nalumango said section 80 of the ACC Act provides for any person who is found with money or property that are proceeds of crime to quickly declare rather than wait for litigation in court.
“Let those who stole to quickly declare the assets and money they got and should also be willing to forfeit what the acquired illegally back to the state,” she said.
She said the UPND Alliance government is serous with the fight against corruption and will ensure that all the money and other resources stolen by those in the previous administration are mopped up and used for the benefit of the nation.
Ms Nalumango said no one will be allowed to escape from the asset recovery dragnet, warning that those who think they cannot be detected are wasting their time because definitely the wheels of justice will soon catch up with them.
“If you know that you acquired something in the wrong manner, please come forward because definitely, this government will come for you after completing investigations,” she said.
And UPND Alliance spokesperson, Leslie Chikuse has warned that those who will not adhere to the amnesty will have themselves to blame when they are arrested and sent to jail for embezzling state properties.
He said the new administration has shown good will on the fight against graft and urged all Zambians to rally behind the government‘s move to recover the stolen resources.
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