FOUR TRUCKS OF MUKULA TREEI NTERCEPTED

Fri, 01 Sep 2017 10:16:57 +0000

By Jackson Mapapayi

SECURITY personnel have intercepted four trucks laden with the famous Mukula tree after an operation in Kasempa.

The operation was undertaken yesterday between 21:00 and 03:00 hours. Among those arrested is a Chinese national Feng Lei who happens to be a buyer of the logs.

North-Western commissioner of police Auxensio Daka confirmed the development, saying both owners of the logs namely Adrian Tembo and Isa Mwamba have been arrested.

He said the trucks which were carrying 540 logs of the green gold were coming from Mufumbwe and destined for Lusaka.

He said the intercepted trucks included a freightliner registration number AJD 9465

“And the intercepted trucks are a freightliner registration number AJD 9465 with trailer number ND668-438T, Volvo truck registration number AJD 9001, Freightliner registration number AJD 8501 and freightliner ALD 7934 respectively.

“The trucks were being driven by Ephraim Phiri aged 28 of Matero, Siphelani Hamonga aged 32 of Mazabuka, Oscar Chibamulilo 45 and Boyd Tayali of Chibolya compound in Lusaka and Kapiri Mposhi respectively,” he said.

He said three of the four drivers were arrested and one escaped.

Mr Daka, however, said Chief Munyambala of Mufumbwe is claiming ownership of the logs in the three trucks, saying he had engaged Isa Mwamba to sell on his behalf to raise money for the traditional ceremony.

“And the number of all those arrested is 16 because it includes lorry boys and helpers,” he added.