Maravi

Explain your wealth, MMD MP tells former ministers under probe

Explain your wealth, MMD MP tells former ministers under probe
By Roy Habaalu
Mon 05 Dec. 2011, 13:55 CAT

MMD Mkushi South member of parliament Sydney Chisanga says former MMD ministers under probe must not cry foul but explain the source of their wealth. Chisanga said it was disappointing that a few ministers were enjoying public resources at the expense of suffering Zambians.

"I thought we were all starving but it's sad to learn that some people had a lot of money. We just came from the general elections and us who were genuine MMD members are damn broke. After elections somebody is found with K2.1 billion, it's a betrayal to the people. I feel betrayed by my party. In this modern time, how can somebody bury money?" said Chisanga.

A combined team of officers from the Zambia Police, Anti Corruption Commission and the Drug Enforcement Commission that conducted a two-hour operation at former labour minister in the MMD government Austin Liato's farm in Mwembeshi area in Mumbwa recovered K2.1 billion that was stuffed in safes and steel trunks buried under two layers of concrete slab.

Chisanga said the mafia-style under which the money was buried raised serious suspicions.

"So we are suspecting maybe they were kick-backs (from foreign investors). A leader should not do that (bury money). As MMD MP, I will support President Michael Sata on development," he said.

He said former ministers being investigated should not complain of political persecution as issues they were accused of were tangible.

"Where I am getting worried is that after the campaigns, I'm told the other minister has about K2 billion in his son's account. Me, mwana (my friend) I am in businessman but I have not seen that kind of money. I am disappointed my party has betrayed me because I was thinking we are starving together and yet others were enjoying." he said.

On the MMD presidency, Chisanga said former Zambian High Commissioner to Canada Pastor Nevers Mumba cannot be entrusted with party leadership because he had a background of betraying people.

"Dr Mumba had to abandon his party (National Christian Coalition). He went for the vice-president job after Mwanawasa appointed him. He was fired towards the election (in 2006), he applied to contest in Chinsali under PF. He was not adopted, so again when Rupiah Banda won, he was sent to Canada. He's not a person you can trust. Can you imagine tomorrow he becomes our party president then the other day President (Michael) Sata appoints him as Vice-President, he would want to abandon us. Experience has it that he likes serving his personal interest," he said.

MMD is split in terms of support between Pastor Mumba and former commerce minister Felix Mutati to take over the MMD presidency.

Former president Banda is said to be strongly pushing for Pastor Mumba to take over the MMD presidency.

Labels: CORRUPTION, MMD, NEVERS MUMBA

posted by MrK @ 6:42 PM