Maravi

Cops seize more of Konga's property

Cops seize more of Konga's property
By Chibaula Silwamba
Sat 31 Dec. 2011, 13:57 CAT

LAW enforcement officers have seized eight more motorcycles from Kenneth Konga, the latest seizure of the former energy minister's properties in the ongoing investigations of how he acquired the same.

Sources said a combined team of the Zambia Police, Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) and Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) seized Konga's motorcycles and an undisclosed number of radios from his Chavuma Constituency in North Western Province.

"The motorcycles that have been seized from honourable Konga are parked at the Task Force on Corruption offices in Lusaka. Initially, there were two but eight more were seized bringing the total to 10," the source said. "Even the radios were seized."

The sources said investigators have also interrogated about four senior officials from Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) to find out how the MMD's campaign vehicles were brought into the country and whether or not tax was paid for the same.

"The four are just witnesses," the source said.

Investigators probing the plunder of public resources in the immediate-past MMD government last week seized a Hummer vehicle, two motorcycles, a hotel and other properties belonging to Konga.

The officers interrogated Konga but the probe is still ongoing. However, Konga denied the allegations, insisting that he acquired the Hummer through a loan from parliament.

Konga's lawyer Sakwiba Sikota described the seizure as a witch-hunt against his client.

Sources told The Post that investigators were checking records at Parliament to confirm whether or not the House paid for Konga's Hummer.

Apart from Konga, the law enforcement officers have in the recent past interrogated MMD spokesperson and Petauke Central member of parliament Dora Siliya and MMD Malambo member of parliament Maxwell Mwale (former mines minister).

Former president Rupiah Banda's sons Henry and Nenani and his campaign managers Dr Boniface Kawimbe and Dr Martin Mtonga were summoned last month for interrogation in connection with the former's campaign funds and materials but are yet to appear.

The officers seized at least 1, 200 bicycles from former finance minister and MMD's Liuwa member of parliament Situmbeko Musokotwane.

Labels: ACC, DEC, KENNETH KONGA, TAX EVASION

posted by MrK @ 5:06 PM