Melo News | Tuesday, May 14, 2024 | Lusaka
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Leader Kasonde Mwenda has officially lodged a petition with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), urging them to launch an investigation into the suspected smuggling of Eagles mealie meal. The alleged culprits are believed to be a group of state agents from the Ministries of Defence, Agriculture, and Commerce, Trade, and Industry operating at the Kasumbalesa Border Post.
Speaking to the press after submitting the complaint at the ACC Head Office in Lusaka earlier today, Mr. Mwenda emphasized that the illicit operation is a collaborative effort involving officials from the three ministries. This prompted him to name and report the responsible cabinet ministers, namely Ambrose Lufuma, Rueben Mtolo, and Chipoka Mulenga.
Mr. Mwenda has asserted that the smuggling scheme is highly organized and meticulously executed, with Zambia National Service (ZNS) eagle-branded mealie meal being camouflaged beneath a layer of imported mealie meal transported by foreign trucks displaying South African license plates. He has presented compelling evidence in the form of videos and images depicting the ongoing illegal export of mealie meal in large quantities at Kasumbalesa Border Post, a troubling development given the prevailing food scarcity in the country.
In response to the allegations, Commerce, Trade, and Industry Minister Chipoka Mulenga has refuted Mr. Mwenda’s claims, asserting that he has no involvement with ZNS mealie meal and welcoming any investigations by law enforcement agencies. However, attempts to reach Defence Minister Ambrose Lufuma and Agriculture Minister Rueben Mtolo for comments were unsuccessful as their phones remained unanswered at the time of broadcasting.
