Rampant input embezzlement irks Chief – As another thieving agric officer nabbed

BY NATION REPORTER 

BARELY three weeks after an agriculture camp officer was nabbed for allegedly caught selling 160 stolen bags of fertilizer under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) in Chipangali, another one has been caught with 86 bags of stolen inputs.

This has angered Chief Chanje of the Chewa people of Chipangali who has called for stiffer punishment for the erring officers to deter would be offenders.

The traditional leader said it was baffling that barely three weeks after he handed over an agriculture camp officer to police over theft of 160 by 50kg of fertilizer, another one has been caught with stolen 86 bags.

“It is very sad that the trend has continued. And if there are no strict measure put in place, government efforts to help the poor will be frustrated by these officers. Those found wanting must be punished severely to set an example to others,” he said.

He warmed that if not stopped, intended beneficiaries would continue being deprived of the government’s good gesture.

And acting police commanding officer for Eastern Province Davis Simwanza has also confirmed the arrest of another agriculture officer over stolen fertilizer.

Mr Simwanza said the agriculture officer at Changombe Cooperative was nabbed on Friday after a tip off from members of the public and over 80 bags of fertilizer have so far been recovered.

“I wish to confirm that we have received the theft of fertilizer once again at Changombe Cooperative, 86 bags to be specific has been recovered though investigations are going on and the number might increase,” he said.

He said investigations were on going and that he would issue a statement.

Mr Simwanza further announced that the police have recorded four different cases of agriculture camp officers being involved in stealing fertilizer under FISP in the region this farming season.