Rupiah’s govt plots to arrest M’membe, Nchito

Rupiah’s govt plots to arrest M’membe, Nchito
Written by Staff Reporters
Friday, February 20, 2009 7:00:59 PM

A plot by Rupiah Banda’s government to arrest and silence Fred M’membe and Mutembo Nchito using the dealings of Zambian Airways has been exposed.

Intelligence sources have disclosed to The Post that President Banda and his government have been plotting to arrest Post editor M’membe and Zambian Airways chief executive officer Mutembo using the airline’s inability to meet its financial obligations with National Airports Corporation as a pretext.

“Before the end of this weekend, Fred and Mutembo are supposed to be picked up, arrested and charged for theft by agent,” the source said. “This charge will arise from the debt that Zambian Airways owes National Airports Corporation. It is said that Zambian Airways, as an agent for National Airports, collected departure fees from passengers but never passed on the money to National Airports. So Mutembo and Fred will be arrested as directors.”

The source said M’membe, and Mutembo – who is one of the key prosecutors on the Task Force against Corruption - were also being pursued in connection with Zambian Airways dealings with the Development Bank of Zambia (DBZ).

“It is said that Zambian Airways borrowed US $5 million from DBZ and used two planes worth US $1.2 million as collateral. This is said to be an anomaly although it not clear how the charge will be framed. But they are also saying that Zambian Airways did the valuation of the two planes. This is said to be irregular because someone else should have done the valuation.”

However, the source said these arrests were aimed at weakening The Post.

“I want you to know that President Banda and his people believe that their greatest obstacle is The Post. They see The Post as their biggest threat and they are ready to do anything to get rid of it,” said the source.

“They believe that if they can’t get rid of The Post, at least they should neutralise it. And it is expected that M’membe will be neutralised after the arrest and therefore the government will have some breathing space.”

The source also said Mutembo’s arrest would enable President Banda to derail the prosecution of former president Frederick Chiluba. Zambian Airways suspended operations almost two months ago due to financial difficulties.

Last week, communications and transport minister Dora Siliya said she was waiting to hear from the Attorney General’s chambers on when a commission of inquiry would be appointed to establish how Zambian Airways directors spent the money they obtained from DBZ.