Recent revelations involving Prestige Motors and the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) before Zambia’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) have exposed deeper systemic flaws within critical public institutions. The question on everyone’s mind is: why is this issue only surfacing now when it dates back as far as 2015? The answer lies in a tangled web of corruption, neglect, and deliberate concealment—an indictment not only of the ZRA but also of the Zambia Police and judicial systems.
The case first emerged several years ago, raising questions about financial irregularities and tax compliance. Despite the glaring nature of the allegations, investigations by the Zambia Police were never concluded. Sources close to the investigation allege that key evidence was either suppressed or mishandled, effectively stalling any real progress.
This failure to act allowed the issue to be buried under bureaucratic inertia, creating a facade of inaction that has now crumbled under public scrutiny. The deliberate omission of the case from previous audit reports raises even graver concerns about collusion between influential entities and public officials. Why was the case hidden? What forces worked behind the scenes to shield those involved from accountability?
The pattern of non-disclosure and mishandled investigations reflects deeper institutional rot. The Zambia Police, tasked with enforcing the rule of law, appears to have failed in its duty. Reports suggest that certain officers may have been compromised, accepting bribes or succumbing to political pressure to suppress the case. This is not an isolated incident; similar claims of corruption within the police force have plagued Zambia for years, eroding public trust.
Similarly, the judiciary has come under fire for its perceived complicity. Critics argue that corruption within the courts undermines the pursuit of justice, creating an environment where high-profile cases like Prestige Motors are swept under the rug. This culture of impunity emboldens wrongdoers and leaves ordinary Zambians bearing the brunt of systemic corruption.
The timing of the PAC’s involvement suggests that the issue is finally being dragged into the light due to external pressure, likely from whistleblowers or civil society organizations. However, this belated scrutiny raises troubling questions about the integrity of Zambia’s governance structures. How many other cases have been similarly buried? And what mechanisms are in place to prevent future cover-ups?
The Prestige Motors saga should serve as a wake-up call for Zambia. To restore public trust, a comprehensive overhaul of the Zambia Police, ZRA, and judiciary is urgently needed. This includes:
1. Independent Investigations: Establish an independent body to review stalled investigations and ensure that those responsible for suppressing cases are held accountable.
2. Judicial Reforms: Strengthen oversight mechanisms within the judiciary to root out corruption and ensure impartiality.
3. Transparency in Audits: Mandate the inclusion of all pending cases in audit reports, regardless of their stage of investigation, to prevent deliberate omissions.
4. Whistleblower Protections: Encourage and protect whistleblowers who expose corruption, ensuring they are not silenced by threats or retaliation.
The Prestige Motors case is more than just a tax dispute; it is a mirror reflecting the systemic failures within Zambia’s institutions. The Zambia Police, ZRA, and judiciary must all answer for their roles in perpetuating a culture of impunity. Zambians deserve better—a system that upholds the rule of law, ensures accountability, and works for the people rather than against them. The PAC’s hearings must be the start of a larger movement to reclaim integrity and justice in Zambia.
