THE fight against corruption by the new dawn administration will be perceived to be an exercise in futility if it continues to shield government officials and party cadres involved in corrupt activities,’’ the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has said
EFF President Kasonde Mwenda said the crusade against corruption has lost the support of the majority Zambians because it was now being perceived as mere witch-hunt to silence the perceived political rivals, because law enforcement agencies were being set on political rivals while UPND cadres involved in corruption were being shielded
Mr Mwenda said the crusade against corruption has lost the support of the majority Zambians because they have realised that it was not only well intended, but was also selective because some government ministers and UPND cadres were being shielded.
He was reacting to the decision by Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Garry Nkombo who has lifted up the suspension on Kafue Town Council after three months Mr Mwenda, who has since written to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Director General, said the Minister of Local Government has no power to pardon criminality as that was tantamount to abuse of authority which is against the Zambian Anti-Corruption law as contained in the Anti-Corruption Act.
In the letter which was dated February 17, 2023, Mr Mwenda said his party was demanding that the matter be thoroughly investigated and the matter taken to court for determination as the evidence was already available.
“The party wishes to bring to your attention serious concerns over the reported and confirmed corruption and abuse of office offence by the Kafue Town Council as was reported by the Minister of Local Government Garry Nkombo yesterday.(February 17.2023
The minister during a briefing indicated that the preliminary investigation report confirms the allegation of corruption and abuse of office that had led the Kafue Council being suspended on November 3, 2022
“It is however very worrying that the Minister of Local Government decided to lift with impunity the suspension and subsequently pardon the alleged offenders who involved themselves in corrupt practices ranging from double selling of plot to themselves, UPND cadres and leaders in the incumbent government,’’ read part of the letter
The letter further read,’’ We would want to put it on record that the Minister of Local Government has no power to pardon Criminality as that is tantamount to abuse of authority which is against the Zambian Anti-Corruption law as contained in the Anti-Corruption Act.
We demand that this matter be thoroughly investigated and the matter taken to court for determination as the evidence is already available,’ read the letter
He also advised the ACC not to be selective in its execution services, especially, when members of the ruling UPND were involved as the case was in Kafue.
“We also wish to put it to you the ACC not to be selective in your execution service especially, when members when members of the ruling UPND were involved as the case was in Kafue,’’ he said
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