Maravi

Task Force summons Chiluba over maize deal

Task Force summons Chiluba over maize deal
By Noel Sichalwe
Wednesday March 26, 2008 [03:00]

FORMER president Frederick Chiluba has been ordered to appear before the Task Force over the Carlington maize saga involving about US $7.8 million. Task Force chairman Max Nkole confirmed in Lusaka yesterday that Chiluba would be questioned tomorrow about the Carlington maize saga. Chiluba's spokesperson Emmanuel Mwamba also confirmed receiving the call out yesterday at about 09:40 hours. And according to a statement, Task Force spokesperson Victor Makai said they had sent a call out to Chiluba to appear at their offices tomorrow at 10:00 hours.

"The Task Force on Corruption has been investigating the case of Canadian commodity supplier by the name of Carlington Sales Company following an agreement with the Republic of Zambia in 1997/98 for the supply of maize to Zambia in the extent of US $24 million," Makai stated.

"The Republic of Zambia transferred in extent of US $7.8 million towards this contract. However, the maize contract was never honored by Carlington Sales as not a single bag of maize was ever delivered to Zambia. A loss of over US $7.8 million of public funds remains incurred."

"Dr Chiluba is being called as he stood at the centre of the deal and is deemed to have been familiar with what happened. He is expected to assist the Task Force in its effort to recover this money and or indeed in completing the Task Force investigations leading to the arrest and prosecution of those people suspected to have conspired to defraud the state of this money."

Makai said the investigations in the case were almost complete but required a bit more clarification from some potential witnesses.

"Dr Chiluba will be interviewed on warn and caution and it is our sincere expectation that he will give utmost cooperation to the Task Force investigators," he said.

However, Mwamba said after receiving the call out, they had referred the matter to their lawyers for them to be present on tomorrow. Mwamba said Chiluba had no idea why he was being called to the Task Force but that he would avail himself.

"But you know, the timing is a bit abrupt. He is just coming from South Africa for medicals and is not yet settled," said Mwamba. "They tend to be in a hurry but he will comply with the order to appear before the Task Force."

Labels: CHILUBA, MAIZE, TASK FORCE

posted by MrK @ 3:52 AM