Maravi

Govt seeks Chungu's extradition from Maputo

Govt seeks Chungu's extradition from Maputo
By Amos Malupenga
Sunday September 30, 2007 [04:02]

The Zambian government has written to the government of Mozambique requesting for the extradition of former intelligence chief Xavier Chungu. The government sources disclosed yesterday that official correspondence, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has already been sent to Mozambique’s justice minister for consideration.

“We believe that the Minister of Justice in Mozambique is in active consideration of the matter,” the source said. “We hope to hear from them soon.”

Chungu was last week spotted in Mozambique where he is reported to have applied for asylum through the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).

But the Zambian government source said they have requested the government of Mozambique to extradite Chungu because he fled from justice.

“What we know is that asylum is not granted to people fleeing from justice,” the source said. “It is granted to people fleeing from political persecution. Now, we all know that Xavier jumped bail. He was charged for specific offences and he was already appearing in court when he decided to run away from justice. I don’t know if this qualifies for political persecution.”

And a UNHCR source in Mozambique yesterday said Chungu had chosen to apply for asylum in Mozambique because he has people he worked closely with during the time he served as intelligence chief.

“There are some people in top positions here, especially from the intelligence, whom Mr Chungu has had both personal and business relationships,” the source said. “I am told that Mr Chungu used to do some gemstone mining with a very senior former intelligence officer here. I guess it will be easier for him to settle here because of these connections.

But now with your story already in public that he is here in Mozambique, it looks like he has left this place. Someone told me that after your story, he must be heading towards South Africa.”

Labels: EXTRADITION, XAVIER CHUNGU

posted by MrK @ 5:10 AM