By Abigail Chaponda in Ndola
Wed 24 Feb. 2010, 03:10 CAT
CHIEF government spokesperson Lieutenant General Ronnie Shikapwasha has said the Zambian government is ready to dialogue with DRC Katanga Province governor Moses Katumbi over his stolen money and emeralds.
Commenting on Katumbi’s intention to sue the Zambian government over his missing emeralds and money in an account at Zanaco that was seized by the abolished Task Force on Corruption, Lt Gen Shikapwasha said the government was not aware about the account being broken into.
“The Zambian government is ready to dialogue with Katumbi before he can take us to court. DRC and Zambia are friends and if Katumbi has got some grievances, he should come and we can dialogue with him,” Lt Gen Shikapwasha said.
“Zambia enjoys good business relations with DRC. But if after dialogue he still feels he wants to take us to court then we will go to court but we are going to try to dialogue with him.”
Katumbi on Monday threatened to sue the Zambian government for allegedly breaking into his seized Zanaco account and getting his precious stones worth billions of kwachas.
In an interview at his office in Lubumbashi, Katumbi said after he signed an agreement with late president Levy Mwanawasa that his property and all his seized assets be returned to him, he went to Zanaco and found that his stone, emeralds and some money were missing.
Katumbi said he had demanded an explanation from the now disbanded Task Force on Corruption, to explain the whereabouts of his stones, a trunk-full of emeralds and some money, but they did not give a satisfactory answer.
He said last week Zanaco Bank called his lawyer asking him to go and collect his assets.
“In my Zanaco account, I had some money, a stone and a trunk full of emeralds. Where did it go when I went to get it? These are the answers I want. I was called all sorts of names when my things were confiscated,” complained Katumbi.
Meanwhile, Lt Gen Shikapwasha said Katumbi had the right to choose his friends.
Commenting on Katumbi’s statement that President Rupiah Banda was not his friend as perceived by many people, Lt Gen Shikapwasha said, “Mr Katumbi has the right to choose his own friends. We cannot choose who should be Mr Katumbi’s friends. But as far as we are concerned, Zambia and DRC are friends and we are going to continue to be relating the same way we have been even if Mr Katumbi sued the government.”
Asked if the government would pay former Tamba Bashila workers’ terminal benefits, Lt Gen Shikapwasha said Katumbi’s grievances should be given to the government for examination and assessment.
Lt Gen Shikapwasha said the arms of the government would conclude and decide what to do with Tamba Bashila workers after investigations.
Labels: KATANGA PROVINCE, KATUMBI, RONNIE SHIKAPWASHA
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Rupiah is not my friend as perceived by many people, says Katumbi
By Abigail Chaponda in Lubumbashi, DRC
Tue 23 Feb. 2010, 04:00 CAT
DRC's Katanga Province governor Moses Katumbi has said President Rupiah Banda is not his friend as perceived by many people.
In an interview at his office in Lubumbashi, Katumbi threatened to sue the Zambian government for breaking into his seized account at Zambia National Commercial (Zanaco) Bank and getting his stones and emeralds worth billions of kwacha.
Katumbi said after he signed an agreement with late president Levy Mwanawasa that his property and all his seized assets should be returned to him, he went to Zanaco and found that his emeralds and some money were missing.
“We will invite the press and civil society just like what the Zambian government did to me when they confiscated my stones and closed my account at Zambia National Commercial Bank on allegation that I stole from the Zambian government,” Katumbi said.
“But this will not affect the relationship that I have with the Zambia government and the Copperbelt Province. I am suing the government, not anyone. When they seized my properties, they seized my personal things, not the Congolese government's.”
Katumbi said he had demanded an explanation from the now disbanded Task Force on Corruption to explain the whereabouts of his stones, a trunk full of emeralds and some money, but they did not give a satisfactory answer.
He said last week, Zanaco called his lawyer asking him to go and collect his assets.
“Why did they not give me right there and then when I signed that agreement? Why? What did they do with my things?
I will, as I said at first, call you people and the church to go and witness, to see if these are my things and I will sue the Zambian government. I was called all sorts of names when my things were confiscated,” he said.
On Tamba Bashila workers' terminal benefits, Katumbi said the Zambian government was the one that should pay the former workers their benefits because it seized the Zanaco account that had money to pay the workers.
“I think in total, I would say that there was K1.3 billion in that account,” he said.
Katumbi also said his country was developing and a lot of infrastructure had been built.
He said DRC, after the war, was in bad shape and with the efforts of the locals and people from other countries, Congo was slowly picking up. He said DRC was fighting corruption as the vice was rampant.
Labels: KATUMBI, RUPIAH BANDA
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The Katumbi factor in Zambian politics
By The Post
Sat 20 Feb. 2010, 04:00 CAT
OUR political leaders’ love for money and power is frightening and sometimes very embarrassing. They are not ashamed to abuse their political power to extract and accumulate for private enrichment, and use politically corrupt means to maintain their hold on power.
Anyone with money and who is willing to give it to them when they need it is welcome no matter how dirty that money may be.
It is embarrassing to see how government officials and other senior public officers are falling over each other to get closer to Moses Katumbi, the governor of Democratic Republic of Congo’s Katanga Province.
Katumbi is not treated with so much attention and affection because he is governor of Katanga. It is simply because he commands immense financial resources that he is willing and able to put at their disposal as and when they need it.
That’s all that makes Katumbi so important that he can be even allowed to openly interfere in the internal politics of our country. Katumbi is not an ordinary Congolese citizen; he is a very senior government official of the Democratic Republic of Congo who should be bound by diplomatic rules.
Katumbi should not come into Zambia and do as he pleases as if he was a citizen or ordinary resident of this country. And moreover it is not right for senior Zambian government officials to personally get too close to a person who ran away from this country fearing corruption charges.
Katumbi was let off the hook not because there was nothing wrong he did but simply because during the time he was a fugitive he acquired a new status, he became governor of Katanga of a friendly neighbouring country. And dropping any intended charges against him was reasonably expedient in the circumstances of the moment.
But we know why the current government is so comfortable with Katumbi. Zambians have not forgotten why Vernon Mwaanga was fired from Levy Mwanawasa’s government.
It was because of his dealings with Katumbi that Levy did not find acceptable for a member of his government. Who also doesn’t know how close Katumbi was to Frederick Chiluba and his corrupt regime? Both Mwaanga and Chiluba are today very close to Rupiah Banda and his government.
Katumbi is very generous with money and he will certainly be of great value to them in meeting personal and political financial requirements. This is not because Katumbi has no use for that money in Congo. Despite that country having immense natural resources, the Congolese people are in general very poor. And theirs is a country without any meaningful development.
They have inadequate schools, hospitals, roads and other services required in an organised society. But instead of striving to meet these desperate needs of the poor Congolese people, Katumbi and his friends will not hesitate to go around flashing money, dishing out money to corrupt and opportunistic Zambian politicians, chiefs and other desperate characters.
Although the Congo of today is a thousand times much better than that of Mobutu, it still retains, in many respects, the characteristics of that kleptocracy. Those who govern do so in self-interest and in the most arbitrary ways.
They control and manage public affairs and resources as if they are personal ones. Like Mobutu, those who govern Congo today are the richest people in that country; they personally dominate the business activities in that country. As such, they have immense resources to use against weaker souls like our politicians and chiefs who are ready to hire themselves out to those with deep pockets.
This is not the way to run countries. And we urge the Zambian people to resist, oppose and denounce Katumbi’s interference in the affairs of this country. He made a fortune out of this country during the corrupt regime of Chiluba and he has gotten away with it.
....
Let it end there. Let him relate to this country with the restraint and the dignity expected of a government official of a friendly neighbouring country. It cannot be denied that the lives of the Zambian and Congolese people cannot be separated because they are bound by history.
We are linked by nature and we should be proud of each other by choice. But none of us should have the arrogance, including of money, to dictate to each other how each other’s country should be governed and who should govern it.
The Zambian people know Katumbi very well; they know who he is. But today this same Katumbi they know is governor of Katanga and whether they like it or not they have to accept that decision of their Congolese brothers and sisters. And it ends there. No Zambian has the right to go and interfere with that decision of the Congolese people, of the Katangese.
There are many things we don’t like about the way that country is governed. That is a country where the government is not in total control of every part of the country and its resources.
It is a country that is still being plundered by all sorts of mercenaries, crooks. Corruption reigns supreme in that country. Those in control of that country’s resources and money also set the political agenda and determine who should govern them and how he should govern.
We don’t want that to be exported to our country because for all our problems, we are far much better organised politically and otherwise than these brothers and sisters of ours. They actually need our help and inspiration in this regard.
If we allow characters like Katumbi to export the weaknesses of that country to Zambia where will the Congolese people turn to for help, for inspiration in their quest to good governance and in their efforts to develop their country to the benefit of all their people – not only Katumbi and a small clique that is today enriching itself from the resources of that disorganised country?
There is so much desperation for money. And this is leading to serious corruption, loss of integrity and abandonment of principles. The purpose of all this corrupt behaviour seems to be the sustenance of their hold on power – power preservation purposes.
And that’s why even here at home they are busy abusing their hold on power to extract from the private sector, from government revenues, and from the economy at large. They are busy embezzling public funds, rent-seeking, plundering.
They have no shame to embrace people who have stolen public funds in the hope that they will share with them the loot and the power that accompanies money.
Theirs are politics of favouritism and patronage; politically motivated distribution of financial and material inducement, benefits, advantages and spoils. Everywhere they are trying to use money to build political loyalty and support.
By giving preferences to companies controlled by people who are willing to put themselves at their service, they can get party and campaign funds. And by paying off governmental institutions of checks and control they can stop investigations, prosecutions of their allies and gain judicial impunity.
Furthermore, by buying loyal decisions from many institutions and tribunals and by buying votes they can secure their re-election. This abuse of public authority and power for private benefit needs to be stopped.
Labels: CHILUBA, CORRUPTION, KATUMBI, POLITICS
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Katumbi overshadows Rupiah at Umutomboko
Written by Zumani Katasefa in Mwansabombwe
Monday, July 27, 2009 12:26:01 PM
DEMOCRATIC Republic of Congo (DRC) Katanga governor Moses Katumbi on Saturday overshadowed President Rupiah Banda's presence at the Umutomboko traditional ceremony of the Lunda people of Luapula Province held in Mwansabombwe. Some people who attended the ceremony continuously cheered at Katumbi from the time he arrived in Kazembe [Mwansabombwe] until his departure.
"Moze! Moze! Ebantu aba! [Moses! Moses! These are people]," they remarked. When Katumbi was called upon to greet the crowd, the people responded cheerfully.
Some security personnel had to shift their attention at some point from protecting President Banda as he was leaving the main arena of the ceremony to protect Katumbi who left later.
"Moses! Moses! Muli bantu imwe!" people continuously shouted as they followed Katumbi when he left the main arena.
Zambia police officers had a tough time to control the crowd that followed Katumbi to catch a glimpse of him. Katumbi was whisked away to Mwata Kazembe's palace before flying back to DRC.
However, the undaunted crowd waited for him at the ground where his helicopter landed. "Moze! Moze! Moze! Falanga!" shouted the crowd as Katumbi went to board his helicopter to return to the DRC.
Katumbi was seen off by Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) Commissioner General Criticles Mwansa and other people from Mwata Kazembe kingdom.
The people only left the ground after Katumbi's helicopter had taken off and disappeared from their sight.
Earlier before the ceremony, Patriotic Front (PF) vice-president Guy Scott accompanied by other PF officials paid a courtesy call on Mwata Kazembe at his palace.
Scott told Mwata Kazembe that he was representing PF leader Micheal Sata who was supposed to attend the ceremony but could not make it owing to bereavements in the family.
"I want to assure you that in the opposition we are friends and I am happy to be here. I look forward to see this ceremony. I am just representing Mr Sata and have brought some small offering," Scott said.
In response, Mwata Kazembe commended Scott and his entourage for attending the ceremony.
"Dr Scot thank you for your coming, we are not knowing each other for the first time, Mr Sata told me that he was willing to come but because of the bereavements in his family he could not. It is good that you are here," Mwata Kazembe said. "Whether in opposition or not it is good that we support our traditions."
Later, President Banda arrived at the palace and held private talks with Mwata Kazembe which lasted from about 12:50 hours to 13:20 hours.
Paramount chief of the Ngoni people of Eastern Province, Mpezeni, who also attended the ceremony, was later called inside the palace to join President Banda and Mwata Kazembe during their meeting.
At the main arena, President Banda said culture played a very important role in developing the nation.
He said culture was the source of strength and unity in the country and that the government had come up with a deliberate policy to promote culture in the country.
President Banda also disclosed that the government had budgeted for K150 million for the construction of a cultural village in Luapula Province.
President Banda said the government was concerned about infrastructure development and food security in Luapula Province.
"Government is also facilitating the water sector by drilling 200 boreholes in Luapula Province, in all districts," he said.
President Banda said the health sector had received K4.5 billion in the province for improvement of health facilities and that six schools were being constructed in the area. He said roads in the area were being rehabilitated, saying K300 million was spent on rehabilitating the Pedicle Road.
President Banda expressed concern over the deadly HIV/AIDS. He said teachers in schools should instill discipline in children. President Banda was accompanied to the Umutomboko traditional ceremony by his wife Thandiwe and government officials.
Labels: CEREMONIES, GUY SCOTT, KATUMBI, RUPIAH BANDA, UMUTOMBOKO
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Rupiah is being dubious like Chiluba, says Sata
Written by Mwala Kalaluka and Lambwe Kachali
Saturday, January 10, 2009 7:45:24 PM
PATRIOTIC Front (PF) president Michael Sata yesterday accused President Rupiah Banda of engaging in dubious tendencies similar to those of former president Frederick Chiluba in his bid to subsidise maize through the Food Reserve Agency (FRA).
And Sata charged that President Banda and finance minister Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane have nodded a K26.4 billion funding to procure new vehicles for ministers even before the 2009 budget is approved.
Featuring on Radio Yatsani's MISA-Zambia sponsored Good Governance programme, Sata said President Banda was hoodwinking Zambians on the issue of maize subsidies.
He likened President Banda's decision to subsidise maize to Chiluba's dealings with Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Katanga governor Moses Katumbi and Paul Steele over the provision of cheap maize to Zambians during his tenure of office.
Sata said the characteristics of the current government's maize subsidy pledges were a repeat of what happened in Chiluba's administration.
"Last year, 2008, this government spent K50 billion on the NCC. Can you give me what justification? If that K50 billion was not spent on the NCC, they could have subsidised maize," Sata said. "Today they are saying that they are subsidising maize, they are lying. It is a repeat of what happened to Frederick Chiluba. Frederick Chiluba brought Moses Katumbi and Paul Steele. When he brought Moses Katumbi and Paul Steele to bring cheap food to hoodwink the people, they brought cheap food."
He said by the time late president Levy Mwanawasa came into power and probed the plunder of national resources during the Chiluba administration, Steele and Katumbi had become powerful and prominent people in their own right than was the case with Chiluba who was dealing with them.
Sata said the government had disclosed a few weeks ago that the FRA had no maize and that there was need to import maize stocks.
"We were told they are going to import maize. We were told how much they were going to spend on importing maize," he said. "The President goes for a ten-day holiday and maize starts flowing from Chipata. Where is the maize in Chipata? There is no maize in Chipata."
Sata said he was speaking on things that transpired during Chiluba's presidential tenure and relating them to what was happening in the current leadership, from experience and not mere speculation because he was part of it.
Sata also said even if the issue of the PF 'rebel' members of parliament takes years to resolve, the affected individuals should consider themselves one-time parliamentarians.
He said the PF was not seeking favours from anybody but the people of Zambia on the above issue.
"These by-elections are long overdue," Sata said. "There is no order that is stopping us from disciplining them."
And Sata said a lot of money that was being spent on procuring motor vehicles for 66 ministers were a permanent cost than the temporary costs that could arise from having by-elections in 17 constituencies.
"Comrade Rupiah Banda and his [Dr Situmbeko] Musokotwane he has been able to spend, even before the budget has been released, K26.4 billion to buy 66 land cruisers for ministers," Sata said.
Reliable sources in the Ministry of Works and Supply also confirmed that plans were underway by the government to procure new vehicles for all ministers in President Banda's administration.
Ministry of Works and Supply permanent secretary Lieutenant Colonel Bizwayo Nkunika, who is on leave, referred all queries on the matter to the acting permanent secretary Bupe Kaonga, who however could not be reached.
"I do not know, because the acting PS is dealing with the matter," said Lt Col Nkunika.
But works and supply minister Mike Mulongoti said there were no plans to procure new motor vehicles.
"We have just re-allocation. All those who were deputy ministers, who have become Cabinet ministers, it means they have taken over from those who were Cabinet ministers," he said. "What we have done is to reallocate the vehicles from those that have left."
Mulongoti said there would be no procurement of new vehicles unless where there was a shortage.
When reached for comment on the matter, finance deputy minister Chileshe Kapwepwe, who could neither deny nor confirm the issue, said the question was not ordinary, saying required the submission of a press query before she could respond to it.
Finance minister Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane would not answer his mobile phone.
Meanwhile, Sata disclosed that he had instructed his councillors at Lusaka City Council to get back and discuss the council budget, which they recently refused to discuss.
However, Sata, who described local government minister Benny Tetamashimba as somebody who was practical at destruction and ignorant, said even if the councillors discuss the budget it would only be approved after the national budget had been approved.
On the PF's expectations from the 2009 budget, Sata said there was nothing that would take the people of Zambia forward in this year's budget because all the issues were concentrated on consumption.
Sata also said President Banda had deviated from the norm by allowing about 41 senior army officers to unnecessarily remain on contract at the expense of junior officers that crave for promotions.
Labels: KATUMBI, PAUL STEELE, RUPIAH BANDA, SATA, SITUMBEKO MUSOKOTWANE
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Mines shouldn’t retrench workers, charges Katumbi
Written by Mutuna Chanda in Ndola
Wednesday, January 07, 2009 3:46:16 PM
MINING companies in Zambia should not retrench workers because they made profits when copper prices were at their peak, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)'s Katanga governor Moses Katumbi has said. And Copperbelt minister Mwansa Mbulakulima has said
there is a lot that Zambia can learn from DRC's mining experiences in view of the fall in world metal prices.
Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on Mbulakulima in Ndola yesterday on his way to Sakania through Zambia by road, Katumbi who spoke in French, said the DRC government had told mining companies not to retrench any workers.
He said his government had
established a commission to look into whether or not mining companies made profits before they could be allowed to retrench workers.
“When [Copper] prices were US $8,000, whether it was in Zambia or in Congo, there was a lot of profit," Katumbi said. "When the price fell, they started firing workers. But these were companies that were making profit and they knew that prices would fall because to me the prices were artificial; the true prices are around US $3,000. We told them not to fire workers and we have established a commission that has to be told whether they made money or not."
Katumbi said the fall in copper prices on the world market exposed who the true and fake investors were.
"Some [investors] would like to remove their materials but we have refused them to do so," he said. "Those who are not professional have left. It was good for us to know the good investors and those who were not."
He also said there were no good reasons for mining investors to leave the DRC right away because the country had reduced its taxes from 22 per cent to one per cent.
"So they are not firing workers," Katumbi said.
And Katumbi said the ban on exports of raw copper from DRC was not intended to hurt Zambia but meant to protect his country's mining industry.
First Quantum Mining's Bwana Mkubwa operation used to process raw copper from DRC but the company has since closed due to the ban.
"I believe that Zambia has its own policy to protect mining companies and so does Congo," Katumbi said.
"Katanga exported 38,000 tonnes of copper cathode in 2006 because there was no transparency. People were stealing copper from Zambia saying it was from DRC without paying duty in Zambia and would export it. From 38,000 tonnes in 2006, we exported something like one million tonnes in 2008."
He said the ban on exports of raw materials was meant to ensure that the Congolese benefitted from the mining industry by exporting finished products.
"I stayed in Zambia for 10 years and here they only export finished products," Katumbi said.
He said to date, First Quantum Minerals was able to export copper concentrate to Mufulira and Kabwe.
"It has only slowed down because of the falling prices of copper on the international market," he said. "Bwana Mkubwa is welcome to import concentrate and not raw materials."
He also said when he became governor of Katanga 18 months ago, his decision to ban exports of raw copper materials had led to the construction of metallurgical plants totalling 25.
Katumbi said five of the 25 metallurgical plants had since been completed.
Meanwhile, Katumbi congratulated President Rupiah Banda over his election.
He also thanked the Zambian government for solely funding the construction of the Levy Mwanawasa bridge at Chembe.
Katumbi said it was shameful that he had to pass through Zambia on his way to Sakania because the road that passes through DRC to the area was impassable during the rainy season.
And Mbulakulima hailed Katumbi's decision to pay a courtesy call on him saying it was important for them to exchange ideas.
Mbulakulima said Zambia could learn a lot from how the Congolese were handling the challenge of the fall in world copper prices and the reaction of mine investors.
Owing to the decline in copper prices, several mining companies in Zambia have trimmed down their workforce while Luanshya Copper Mines (LCM) has been placed under care and maintenance, leading to combined job losses of over 3,000 in the mines to date.
Labels: JOBLOSSES, KATUMBI, MINING, MWANSA MBULAKULIMA
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DRC to meet financial obligation on Chembe bridge
By Mwila Chansa and Mwala Kalaluka in Chembe
Friday July 25, 2008 [04:00]
DEMOCRATIC Republic of Congo (DRC) Katanga Province governor Moses Katumbi has said his government will ensure that it meets its financial obligation on the Chembe bridge construction project. And Katumbi commended President Levy Mwanawasa and the Zambian government for the “marvelous accomplishment” on the construction of the K46 billion bridge across the Luapula River During a conducted tour of the bridge project with Zambian government officials yesterday, Katumbi said it was important that the DRC met its 50 per cent financial obligation on the project in retrospect.
“This is very good. I just want to congratulate the President (Mwanawasa) and I hope he is recovering soon, everyone is praying for him,” Katumbi said. “I was coming in Luapula at my fish business, I am from Luapula and I had my fishing camp in Nchelenge, I know how people suffered there on the pontoon (at Chembe).”
Katumbi also commended China Henan, the contractor and Kiran and Musonda Associates, the consultants, for the remarkable progress on the project earmarked for completion on September 28 this year.
Katumbi said his delegation, which was visiting the project for the first time was in the country to discuss with its Zambian counterparts the tarring of the 68-kilometre long Pedical Road which connects Luapula to Copperbelt via the DRC’s Katanga Province.
He also suggested that it would be appropriate to set up a 24-hour one-stop border post at the bridge.
Katumbi pledged that his government would ensure that the people at Mwenda in DRC relocated towards the bridge.
Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) Commissioner General Chriticles Mwansa assured the DRC delegation that a legal framework to facilitate the establishment of a one-stop border point was in place.
Henry Musonda of Kiran Musonda and Associates said the width of the bridge, which is 10 metres was enough to allow two vehicles to cross at the same time.
Meanwhile, Katumbi said he would send a chopper to ferry the DRC’s Lunda King, Mwanta Yanvwa, to attend the Umutomboko of the Lunda people of Luapula.
Officials who were part of the Zambian government delegation included Copperbelt minister Mwansa Mbulakulima, his Luapula counterpart Crispin Musosha, works and supply deputy minister Mundia Ndalamei and permanent secretaries Clement Siame (Luapula) and Jennipher Musonda (Copperbelt).
Labels: BORDERS, CHEMBE BRIDGE, CHRITICLES MWANSA, DRC, KATANGA PROVINCE, KATUMBI, MWANAWASA, ZRA
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Katumbi urges Finance Bank to establish branch in DRC
By Gweny Phiri in Kasumbalesa
Tuesday July 01, 2008 [04:00]
DEMOCRATIC Republic of Congo (DRC) Katanga Province Governor Moses Katumbi has urged Finance Bank to extend its operations beyond Zambia and open a branch in that country to boost economic development. And Finance Bank chairperson, Rajan Mahtani has reiterated the bank’s resolve to serve the remotest and previously under-banked rural communities through opening of branches in strategic areas.
During the opening of Finance Bank Kasumbalesa Branch in Chililabombwe last Friday, Katumbi said the DRC’s economy was experiencing tremendous growth hence the need for strong banks.
Katumbi said Katanga Province had recorded increased exports which could further increase if communities accessed competitive banking services from reputable organisations like Finance Bank.
Katumbi hailed the cordial relationship currently existing between Zambia and the DRC saying there was need for cooperation to enhance economic and social development of the two countries.
And Mahtani said the opening of Finance Bank Kasumbalesa Branch was essential in facilitating and formalising trade between Zambia and the DRC and that the bank would consider opening a branch in that country in future.
He said the bank had a strong reputation of strategic bank positioning especially in border towns hence the opening of the first bank at Kasumbalesa border post.
"Our expansion programme has not been purely driven by profit motives but more importantly, to offer a service to the remotest and previously under-banked rural communities. Our Kasumbalesa branch will be pivotal in facilitating and formalising trade between the DRC and Zambia and quash the perception of the existence of an underground economy," he said.
Mahtani also praised the government for the stability, peace and prosperity, which had enabled Finance Bank to partner with Credit Suisse, an international bank of global repute, hence raising its capital portfolio.
Communication and transport minister, Dora Siliya, said there was need to roll the infrastructure development to the rural areas to enhance development.
She said the government wanted to be sure that the Information Communication and Technology (ICTs) were available to more people.
She said the banking infrastructure would also give a critical role in financing.
Siliya said the government would provide land for the people so that they put up a dry port in Kasumbalesa.
Labels: DRC, FINANCE BANK, KATANGA PROVINCE, KATUMBI, RAJAN MAHTANI
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Charges can be dropped if Chiluba surrenders what he stole, says Nkole
By Namakau Nalumango
Saturday May 10, 2008 [04:00]
CHARGES against former president Frederick Chiluba and others accused of plunder of national resources can be dropped if they surrender what they stole, Task Force on Corruption chairman Maxwell Nkole has said.
Featuring on Let The People Talk programme on Radio Phoenix yesterday, Nkole said if Chiluba and others came forward, the Task Force would 'cut' a deal with them because even President Levy Mwanawasa had offered to drop the charges in an event that they co-operated.
"We would cut a deal because even the head of state had at one time said that 'look why don't you bring back the money and we would reconsider dropping any other charges' but the former president said he cannot do that," Nkole said.
He said the Task Force was mandated to recover the plundered or stolen assets as a separate activity and to prosecute when there was evidence.
“We have options to consider when looking at these cases. If, in fact, we were able to trace these assets and recover them from the people, I think that the Task Force would have discharged its mandate,” he said.
Nkole said the government had been able to make a saving especially that Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Katanga governor Moses Katumbi surrendered property worth K5.1 billion.
“Essentially, he Katumbi was suing for K17 billion and through this agreement, we have been able to save a possible loss by the government of K17 billion to Mr Katumbi because judgment would have gone either way, anyway, on this matter. In addition, Katumbi surrendered assets worth K5.1 billion, essentially making a saving to the government of K22.1 billion,” he said.
Nkole also disclosed that in 2007, a team of experts came to look at the work of the Task Force in the last six years and produced an evaluation report, which indicated that its work was successful.
“We had been evaluated by experts brought in by the donor community because as you know, we wanted to be as transparent as we could be in terms of trying to make an assessment of our performance. So the cooperating donors brought in a team of experts; two British and two Zambians from Cabinet office representing us.
They did that paper which was presented to government and government has been studying that,” he said.
Nkole said he was aware that many people looked at the work of the Task Force as promises that were yet to be fulfilled.
“I think when I look at the administration of Mwanawasa, history will be written that he successfully waged war against corruption. On my own, I feel that the work that the Task Force has done over the last six years has set a firm foundation upon which this country can be built and meets policies which are to fight corruption,” said Nkole.
Labels: CHILUBA, CORRUPTION, KATUMBI, MAX NKOLE, TASK FORCE
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Katumbi forfeits K1.3bn
By Zumani Katasefa in Kitwe
Friday April 18, 2008 [04:00]
DRC Katanga governor Moses Katumbi has forfeited about K1.3 billion to the Zambian government. Task Force on Corruption chairman Max Nkole told journalists in Kitwe yesterday that Katumbi had signed a deed of surrender regarding his property worth K5.5 billion that was seized by the state and his bank accounts had since been opened.
However, Nkole said the bank credits had been forfeited to the state in respect of the two accounts held at Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZNCB), while other accounts remain frozen until the Task Force settles the matter with Katumbi's lawyers.
Nkole said there was US $80,000 in the dollar account and K950 million in the kwacha account. The money and property were siezed from Katumbi in 2002 when the Task Force instituted investigations in his alleged plunder of national resources.
"I would like to commend the Copperbelt provincial officials who met officials from the Zambia National Commercial Bank Kitwe branch to finalise the agreement, which is in existence between governor Katumbi and the Republic of Zambia signed on 28 June last year aimed at pacifying the disputes that were in the courts of law," he said. "These were signed in the spirit of give and take. We welcome the gesture. With regard to the trunk of emeralds, the Zambia National Commercial Bank gave conditions which should be attended to by Katumbi and his lawyers."
Nkole explained that the Task Force had lifted the restrictions regarding the trunks of emeralds. "It is our desire that when these trunks of emeralds would be opened, we have to be present to confirm the contents." he said. However, Nkole could not state the value of the emeralds saying that could be done by experts.
Nkole also said Katumbi was at liberty to either assist the state in investigations of some corruption cases or not. He said the Task Force could approach Katumbi to help in their investigations but that it was up to him to accept or not. Nkole said Katumbi was not a suspect and that he would be approached like any other person to assist in the investigations of some corruption cases. And Katumbi thanked and commended the Zambian government for giving him back his property.
Katumbi said Zambians were his brothers and sisters and that the move taken would allow him to start doing business with the Zambian people again. Asked if he would assist the Task Force in its investigations once called upon, Katumbi declined to comment. Earlier, Katumbi had a private meeting at his lawyers' office at Kitwe's Anchris House with officials from the Task Force which lasted for about an hour.
After the meeting, Katumbi walked to ZNCB Business Centre on Obote Avenue as some callboys sang songs of praise for him. Katumbi who arrived yesterday morning in a private jet at Ndola Airport at about 08:00 hours was accompanied by some government officials from the DRC.
Labels: DRC, KATUMBI, MAX NKOLE, TASK FORCE
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Katumbi's bank accounts will be reopened, says Nkole
By Zumani Katasefa
Saturday April 12, 2008 [04:00]
TASK Force on corruption chairman Maxwell Nkole has said Democratic Republic of Congo Katanga governor Moses Katumbi’s bank accounts in Zambia will be reopened. Nkole was speaking to journalists yesterday after he held talks with Katumbi’s representatives over the handover of properties that were seized by the Task Force.
He named plot number 3754 Parklands, Kitwe valued at K1.1 billion and the Mishani property, also known as the Watch Tower Kingdom, and other property on Kariba road in Kitwe among properties expected to be handed over to Katumbi.
“The issue of a trunk of emeralds which are being kept at Zambia National Commercial Bank in Kitwe will be discussed on Thursday next week to affect the handover,” he said.
Nkole could however not state the value or quantity of the emeralds saying that only experts could do that.
He said the matter regarding that emeralds could not be concluded in yesterday’s meeting which was held at William Nyirenda and Company offices in Kitwe because one of Katumbi’s representatives from the DRC was not present.
Nkole made the statement after a meeting which took close an hour with some of Katumbi’s representatives.
Lawyer William Nyirenda was representing Katumbi.
Labels: DRC, KATUMBI, TASK FORCE
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Puta explains his Congolese Toyota Hilux
By Bivan Saluseki
Friday January 18, 2008 [03:00]
Chief Puta of the Bwile people in Luapula Province yesterday denied having received a vehicle from DRC's Katanga Province governor Moses Katumbi. Chief Puta, who is in Lusaka and using the Toyota Hilux Surf registration number KN 7518 BP, said the vehicle in question was given to him by DRC-based Central African Mining Company and not Katumbi.
"I have papers for it. I have had the vehicle for three months now," chief Puta said. "I am with the same car with papers. You can come and look at them. It was Central African Mining who gave it to me."
Chief Puta said people insinuating that he was given the vehicle by Katumbi merely wanted to create problems between him and President Mwanawasa. He said he had handed over the issue concerning his visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo to the Bwile Royal Establishment.
And Bwile Royal Establishment spokesperson Chansa Mutuka said the vehicle was not connected to Katumbi.
"It is just a gift from Central African Mining," he said.
But sources said chief Puta was given the vehicle following his invitation in October to Congo DR by Katumbi for talks concerning exclusive mining agreements in Chiengi district.
Last month Katumbi 'chartered' a plane to ferry chief Puta to Lubumbashi to discuss mining agreements in Chiengi district. According to sources among traditional leaders in Luapula, chief Puta was first invited to the DRC by Katumbi in October last year but only went to meet him in December.
Mines minister Dr Kalombo Mwansa said the government would investigate chief Puta's trip to Congo to find out what Katumbi discussed and agreed with him concerning mining rights in his chiefdom. He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would be used to establish the truth since the matter involved a foreign country.
Labels: CHIEF PUTA, CORRUPTION, DRC, KATUMBI
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Govt to probe Puta's Congo trip
By Sandra Mulowa
Wednesday January 09, 2008 [03:00]
Mines minister Dr Kalombo Mwansa yesterday said the government would investigate senior chief Puta's trip to Congo to find out what Democratic Republic of Congo Katanga governor Moses Katumbi discussed and agreed with him concerning mining rights in his chiefdom.
Commenting on revelations that Katumbi last month sent a plane to ferry chief Puta to Lubumbashi to discuss with him mining agreements in Chiengi district, Mwansa said the government would have to find out what the duo discussed because mining licences are held in the name of the President.
Mwansa said he was aware that chief Puta of the Bwile people in Luapula Province had travelled to the DRC to meet with Katumbi because of the chief’s admission.
“I am aware he travelled to Congo, he admitted himself. But I have no idea what they discussed,” Mwansa said. “We will have to find out what they discussed. Government is not aware of what they discussed. If anything in Zambia, the licences are in the name of the President.”
Mwansa said the administration of mines was run by the government.
“We are interested in what they discussed and agreed because the administration of mines is run by government,” Mwansa said.
On why no government official accompanied chief Puta to the DRC considering that the DRC side was represented by a mines minister, Mwansa said: “I don’t know why there was no minister (from Zambia). I think the arrangement was between the two. Send me a query and I will answer all your questions.”
Sources on Monday revealed that Katumbi invited chief Puta to discuss exclusive mining investment rights in his chiefdom by DRC’s Anvil Mining Company, which is believed to be owned by Katumbi.
Chief Puta confirmed having gone to DRC to meet with Katumbi and said he had gone there for Anvil Mining Company.
“I followed Anvil Mining. I don’t want to comment on that but I went there because Anvil has been given a very big area by government, government sold it to Anvil. My interest was to stop them from working here (Chiengi). Anvil has taken a big part already in Kapulo, Kasama and Pweto in Congo,” said chief Puta.
Labels: ANVIL MINING, CHIEF PUTA, DRC, KALOMBO MWANSA, KATUMBI, MINING
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Katumbi discusses mining deals with chief Puta
By Sandra Mulowa
Tuesday January 08, 2008 [03:00]
Democratic Republic of Congo's Katanga Province governor Moses Katumbi last month 'chartered' a plane to ferry senior chief Puta of the Bwile people of Luapula Province to Lubumbashi to discuss mining agreements in Chiengi district. According to sources among traditional leaders in Luapula, chief Puta was first invited to the DRC by Katumbi in October last year but only went to meet him in December.
"The first time there were some officials from Congo who collected chief Puta and they went by road," the source said.
"After a day, the chief came back after meeting with governor Katumbi. A few days later, governor Katumbi sent a plane to pick up chief Puta. We hear that on the same plane, there was Katanga Province Minister of Mines and a government official who were tasked to pick up chief Puta."
The source said Katumbi invited chief Puta to discuss exclusive mining investment rights in chief Puta's chiefdom by DRC's Anvil Mining Company, which is believed to be owned by Katumbi.
When contacted yesterday, chief Puta confirmed having gone to the DRC to meet with Katumbi.
"I met him... but who told you?" chief Puta asked, while laughing. "I went to Congo but I didn't follow him (Katumbi). I followed Anvil Mining. I don't want to comment on that but I went there because Anvil mining has been given a very big area by government, government sold it to Anvil. My interest was to stop them from working here (Chiengi). Anvil has taken a big part already in Kapulo, Kasama and Pweto in Congo."
Chief Puta said his predecessor had refused to work with Anvil Mining.
"My late uncle refused to work with them. I told them I don't want to work with them. I don't want to comment much because government is involved, the Ministry of Mines is involved," chief Puta said.
Asked to confirm reports that he had first gone to Congo by road and later using a plane which was sent for him, chief Puta replied: "Ee, chali ifyofine (Yes, that is what happened.) On that, I can't comment. The Ministry of Mines is handling the issue.
I don't want to make a mistake. If I comment I can make a mistake like VJ (former information minister Vernon Mwaanga) did."
Labels: CHIEF PUTA, DRC, KATUMBI, LUAPULA PROVINCE, MINING
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Reveal more on Carlington maize deal, Dr Chongwe urges Mahtani
By Brighton Phiri and Kabanda Chulu
Sunday December 23, 2007 [03:00]
Lusaka lawyer Dr Rodger Chongwe has urged businessman Rajan Mahtani to reveal more on the Carlington maize deal which led to his arrest by former president Frederick Chiluba in 1998. And permanent secretary in the Ministry of Finance Dr Wamundila Mbikusita-Lewanika has said the government does not favour Finance Bank and Professional Insurance in the awarding of long-term contracts.
Commenting on Chiluba and Mahtani's differences, Dr Chongwe said Mahtani should tell the nation all that he knew about the Carlington maize deal because it was very clear that Chiluba did not arrest him for treason but for the role he played in the Carlington maize deal.
"Mr Chiluba and Mahtani's differences in the media seem to suggest that there is something which is untold about the much talked about Carlington maize deal. It will be helpful for both Mr Chiluba and Mahtani to reveal more on the Carlington maize deal," Dr Chongwe said. "But it is Mr Mahtani who should reveal more on the Carlington maize deal which many Zambians believe led to his arrest. He must tell us what is it that provoked Mr Chiluba to arrest him."
Dr Chongwe said former finance minister Edith Nawakwi should also be asked to explain her involvement in the maize deal.
"Mr Chiluba, Mahtani and Nawakwi owe us a truthful explanation on their involvement in the Carlington maize deal," he said.
Dr Chongwe said Chiluba's court cases should not overshadow the issues he raised regarding the Mahtani Group of Companies' business dealings with the government. He said Chiluba's concerns about Mahtani's dealings with government required sincere and honest answers from President Mwanawasa.
"We all know Chiluba...he is facing criminal charges, but that does not mean that the issues he has raised should be brushed aside. Is it proper for one individual firm to be given favourable business above others?" Dr Chongwe asked. "Is it proper for the government to go ahead and award a contract to a private bank to procure the nation's crude oil without following tender procedures?"
Dr Chongwe said the government should explain why Zesco and INDENI insurance policies had been moved from Zambia State Insurance Corporation to Professional Insurances, which belongs to the Mahtani Group of Companies without any tender procedures.
And responding to participants at the Zambia National Tender Board (ZNTB) sensitisation workshop for editors in Lusaka on Friday, who accused the government of awarding huge contracts to Finance Bank and Professional Insurance, Dr Lewanika, refuted the allegations and said that there had been no foul play and that every decision was carried out in a transparent and thorough manner.
"Usually governments' decisions are based on the offers received from various entities and it is not true that Finance Bank and Professional Insurance are favoured in the awarding of contracts and in any case, there has been competition for those companies to secure the deals involved," Dr Lewanika said.
"Actually government does not fix its accounts and contracts to a particular institution because these issues are reviewed annually and the best entity is awarded the deal considering what they have offered such as interest rates, bank charges and fees, among other things."
Dr Lewanika emphasised that the government does not instruct ministries or departments to bank with a particular financial institution.
He said government departments were independent in their operations.
"Controlling officers decide what to do within their departments, for instance, the permanent secretary at agriculture ministry can decide what to do with funds allocated and surprisingly other controlling officers can make decisions that can result in one institution getting all the deals and government will not have any role in these decisions," he said.
The participants raised concerns and wondered why Finance Bank was being awarded huge contracts such as disbursing the rural development funds, irrigation funds and providing loans for the Food Reserve Agency and procurement of crude oil for Indeni Petroleum Refinery.
Labels: CHONGWE, KATUMBI, RAJAN MAHTANI
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Katumbi's case is a hammer against anti corruption fight, says Mususu
By Ntalasha Mutale
Tuesday December 18, 2007 [03:00]
MOSES Katumbi's case is a hammer against the anti-corruption fight, Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) executive director Bishop Paul Mususu has said. In an interview, Bishop Mususu said although the Church was behind the government’s efforts to fight corruption, it would not agree to injustices pointing to the closure of Democratic Republic of Congo Katanga Province governor Katumbi’s cases without an explanation to the people.
“Could it be that Katumbi has dealings with the current leadership in Zambia such that his prosecution could unearth a lot of their illegal deeds?” Bishop Mususu asked.
He said Zambians deserved an explanation on the decision by the government to close Katumbi’s cases.
“We don’t want to imprison or loosen Katumbi, but justice must prevail. Previously, it was government’s position to bring Katumbi to justice, but what has changed now?” he asked.
“And now government should close the case, it raises more dust.”
Chief government spokesperson Mike Mulongoti recently announced that the government had dropped all criminal charges against Katumbi after reaching a settlement.
Mulongoti has since declared that Katumbi has not stolen anything from the Zambian people and was free to visit and go back to the DRC.
And Bishop Mususu said Zambia was facing a very sad situation where top leaders entrusted in curbing corruption were with the forefront breaking the law.
“If the law enforcers are the ones being corrupt, then how are we going to survive?” he asked. “These leaders should be setting a good example to others.”
He also said the allowances being paid to those sitting on the National Constitutional Conference (NCC) should be proportionate to the wages an average Zambian receives.
“The hefty allowances are an indication to us that the Cabinet has been getting the same amount of money for their monthly wages,” Bishop Mususu said.
Bishop Mususu further added that the NCC was bound to fail looking at the composition of the Act.
Bishop Mususu also said Patriotic Front (PF) leader Michael Sata was right to exercise discipline on his councillors who had gone against party directives not to participate in the NCC.
“Sata is not wrong to exercise discipline if he is playing the rules of the party. But other solutions should be found to deal with that situation rather than expulsion. It would be a waste of resources. As people of Zambia, we will lose to have 25 by-elections,” said Bishop Mususu.
Labels: BISHOP MUSUSU, EFZ, KATUMBI
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Bloated govt
By Muyoyeta Simasiku
Friday December 14, 2007 [03:00]
When we debate issues and we get overwhelming consensus, we need to ensure that the government implements those issues. A lot of things get talked over and then die a natural death just like that. The greatest challenge that is threatening our nation's development is how to get the government act on people's interests. I really don't understand why those in government do what they like as though they were small gods. I thought it is the will of the people that must prevail.
The need for a reduction of a bloated government cannot be over-emphasised, and it is long overdue.
Compared to many developed countries, we have a relatively smaller population of only 11 million people; a poor nation whose budget is heavily dependent on borrowing and yet we have more than twice the number of government ministers and their deputies and support workers trying to pay themselves huge perks from the very meagre resources that are supposed to be allocated to the starving poor.
I don't get it - is this the way to combat unemployment - employ as many people into government positions as possible, even at the expense of the majority poor?
I wrote earlier this year in this column about the various unproductive positions that exist in government - every position has an assistant and/or deputy and yet they all seem to be doing the same tasks.
I also wrote about how every position at a director or managerial level has a secretary, doing pretty much nothing but answering phone calls and making coffee for their bosses all day long while their bosses are busy reading newspapers or are driving around the city.
What is more striking is that, despite all these many workers, government departments are still about the most inefficient and unproductive in Zambia.
And why does Mulongoti think we are that dim-witted by giving, probably the dumbest excuse to the problem of a bloated government? Your editorial exposed his argument. Listen Mulongoti, here is a suggestion on which ministries you need to create and keep - you need to abolish all the others:
1. Ministry of Defence
2. Ministry of Social services, Poverty and Child Development
3. Ministry of Law, Order and Homeland Security
4. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration
5. Ministry of Education, Skills and Employment
6. Ministry of Health, Malaria and HIV/AIDS
7. Ministry of Finance, Economy, Development and Indigenous Empowerment
8. Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Climate Change
9. Ministry of Culture, Civil Rights and Sports
That's just 9 ministries Mulongoti. All you need is one minister for each ministry and probably allocate deputies to 2 or 3 strategic ministries. This will save us heaps of money to be allocated to the people and you could still maintain your tribal balancing if you like.
Investigating Katumbi
By Fr Kapya Kaoma
Friday December 14, 2007 [03:00] Print Article Email Article
Long before the question of investigating Chiluba's corruption was raised, The Post published an article entitled "Why not arrest Chiluba and Mwanawasa?."
In that article the author questioned the morality of fighting corruption with Mwanawasa as President. It is against the law to possess stolen property, that is why Regina Chiluba is being investigated.
In fact, common sense suggests that we arrest Mwanawasa and the entire MMD leadership because they are beneficiaries of Chiluba's corrupt rule.
Fellow Zambians, should we drop charges against Katumbi just because he is the governor of Katanga? God forbid! Ethically, it is a lesser evil to discontinue the case against a former president than a mere governor.
The Task Force has investigated the army, the office of the president's ZAMTROP account, ZNS, and other security agencies, on which our national security hangs. Ironically, on Katumbi, the MMD wants to safeguard national security. In addition, the Task Torce has cost Zambians too much tax payers' money.
Today, they tell us that investigating Katumbi would be too costly.
Mr President, by discontinuing the case against Katumbi, you have discontinued your fight against corruption.
http://www.postzambia.com/post-read_article.php?articleId=35120
There's more to Katumbi's case than meets the eye
By Chilumba Ngosa
Friday December 14, 2007 [03:00]
Moses Katumbi today has been turned into a saint whilst Frederick Chiluba is still being branded a hard core criminal. Can our learned collegues at LAZ educate the masses under which laws this ‘rule of laws’ (MMD) operates?
Crime by definition is an act or ommission probihibited and punishable by law. So the obvious question a lay person like myself is asking is: Where does our independent legal system justify its existence? Don't they have the right to reject certain proposals in the interest of the nation?
I feel there is more to Katumbi’s case than meets the eye. The government knows what it is doing. There is some scam that they are shelding which needs to be unearthed.
If it does not happen in Dr LPM's time, it will do so under another president. What is burried under there should really be smelly that it has affected the whole government.
I wonder what the Task Force on corruption will now be chasing. Indeed, why not discontinue Chiluba's case. It has wasted a lot of money and made some people rich?
During Levy's rule, a lot of crooks have been shielded from the arm of the law, while the same arm is being stretched hard on others.
A crime is a crime irrespective of one's social status.
What is the implication of such immoral actions to our future generation? The world has seen big names fall - Paul Wolfwiz of the World Bank, Enron, etc.
Why can't Katumbi clear his name in the courts of law so that we know who has dirt on their hands?
I am disgusted.
Labels: GOVERNANCE, KATUMBI
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TIZ demands full disclosure of govt's deal with Katumbi
By Noel Sichalwe
Thursday December 13, 2007 [03:01]
TRANSPARENCY International Zambia (TIZ) president Reuben Lifuka yesterday demanded a full disclosure of government's deal with Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Katanga Province governor Moses Katumbi. Lifuka was commenting on government's decision to discontinue cases involving Katumbi due to what they termed as insufficient evidence.
"We demand full disclosure of what this government has agreed with Katumbi and what does he expect in return from us? What is so special about the cases of Katumbi that is making government nervous and incoherent in their statement? We wish to remind government that you cannot fight corruption by using corruption or abuse of office," Lifuka said.
He said government's decision to cut a deal with Katumbi has shown that it has no serious intentions to fight corruption. Lifuka said some of the cases involving Katumbi bordered on the allegations that he was heavily involved in bank-rolling the presidential campaign for President Mwanawasa in 2001.
He said the Task Force and Vice-President Rupiah Banda were on record as having hinted that government wanted to subject Katumbi to justice for various offences. Lifuka wondered why suddenly the government has informed the nation that it has reached a settlement with Katumbi.
"This is a reckless decision which surely will remain to haunt the Mwanawasa administration for a long time," Lifuka said. "It is a precedent set which will simply fuel an increase in corruption. It is a shortsighted measure which will have long term consequences for this country. In short, the fight on corruption has fallen flat on its face and it will be hypocritical for this government to even talk about fighting corruption."
"It is this selectivity in pursuing corrupt offenders that renders the efforts of valiant and honest public servants who seek to act above board redundant. It is such acts that ignite an unbridled impunity and wastage in the use of public resources. It is this inconsistency in strategy that emboldens other alleged plunderers to tout and ridicule the whole fight against corruption. It is such unwarranted actions that continue to make Zambia rank lowly on the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index.
" Lifuka said government position on Katumbi cases demonstrated that the Mwanawasa administration was willing to sacrifice long-term gains of running a clean government for short term gains such as maintaining good neighborliness to the DRC.
He said the whole deal epitomised the lack of any serious strategy for fighting corruption. "Unfortunately, they are sowing 'bad seeds' which will surely germinate in the future and erode the very economic gains that they are proud of today.
We will not allow this government to forget about this deal in a hurry. We promise to hold to account all those involved in cutting deals with fugitives from the law. We will ensure that the shame of these deals follow them even to their retirement.
Katumbi was demanding to be paid public resources and not the private resources of President Mwanawasa and his Cabinet ministers." "Additionally, government sued Katumbi on and behalf of the people and it is unbelievable that for a government that assumed office hanging onto the coattails of slogans like government of laws rather than men, it has only taken them less than six years to completely obliterate these well founded values and today, they are engaged in negotiations and not interrogation of alleged plunderers."
"The question is what will stop this government from cutting deals with all the remaining alleged plunderers and corrupt persons currently before the courts of laws or being investigated for their deeds? Why should huge amounts of taxpayers' money continue to be spent on the Taskforce on economic plunder only for political decisions to be made to cut deals of this nature?" Lifuka reiterated that all those who were alleged to have stolen public resources should have their day in court and that it was not correct for government to simply betray the confidence that ordinary people had in the fight against corruption by making such ill-advised actions.
Labels: KATUMBI, RUEBEN LIFUKA, TIZ
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Katumbi will dent Levy's crusade, says Hansungule
By Brighton Phiri
Tuesday December 11, 2007 [03:00]
THE Katumbi case will dent President Mwanawasa’s crusade against corruption, Professor Michelo Hansungule has said. And Women for Change (WfC) executive director Emily Sikazwe said government had no mandate to cut deals with suspected plunderers without the approval of the people.
Commenting on government’s announcement that it had discontinued and closed all the criminal and civil actions against Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Katanga Province governor Moses Katumbi, Prof Hansungule said the Katumbi case was a very bad precedent for President Mwanawasa’s crusade against corruption.
“Thus far, the administration has done very well on this score. There is no other government in Africa that has dragged its former head of state to court on allegations of corruption as Zambia has. But the Katumbi case is bound to dent this record,” Prof Hansungule said.
He said the sudden grant of liberties by government to Katumbi was shocking because the case had been making headlines for several months, if not years.
“Isn’t this what cost Vernon Mwaanga his job?” Prof Hansungule asked.
He said it was amazing for a government that had a duty to govern based on the principle of good governance inscribed in the Constitution, to inform its citizens that criminal actions that had been intended against Katumbi had been discontinued.
“It is important that government is transparent in the way it handles matters already in the public domain. It cannot suddenly be treated in this way.
Government has a duty to give out all information and not just what it feels it must give out to the public,” he said.
“Precisely for the sake of peace and security that government itself has invoked as the reason to settle the matter amicably is the reason for taking the Zambian people in their full confidence.
Being mean in sharing critical information on an important matter like this may be read by some to mean government is hiding something which in fact may not be the case.”
Prof Hansungule said it was easy to understand settlement of civil matters outside court but not of criminal matters.
“Isn’t this going to compromise justice? How does this happen given that others in similar circumstances have rightly been left to be sorted out by the long-arm of the law?” he asked.
“And this concept, ‘in the interest of peace and security’, how has it been found suitable to apply in this and not similar cases? There are many unanswered questions government has an obligation to clarify and shed light on.”
Sikazwe asked government to explain how Katumbi had been cleared of all the charges quietly when they went public to accuse him of being one of the plunderers of the country’s resources during the Chiluba regime.
“Government must tell us what is it that that has changed for Katumbi, whom they told us that he is one of the plunderers of our resources,” Sikazwe said. “It is disappointing that government is going ahead with impunity cutting deals with persons suspected of plundering our resources.
Katumbi’s case was part of the catalogue of corruption cases under the Chiluba regime which was presented before parliament. Did government seek the approval of the people’s representatives to discontinue Katumbi’s case? We demand for transparency on this matter.”
Government last week stated that Katumbi was at liberty to return to Zambia and engage in lawful business he might consider appropriate after the two parties agreed to discontinue and close all criminal and civil actions against the Katanga governor.
According to a joint statement on resolution of matters between the Zambian government and Katumbi, through his legal representatives William Nyirenda and Company issued in Lusaka, all outstanding matters between the parties had been resolved to the satisfaction of both.
Government stated that the settlement of the matters between it and Katumbi was intended to secure the maintenance of peace and security between Zambia and the DRC.
Labels: CORRUPTION, EMILY SIKAZWE, KATUMBI, WFC
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Explain Katumbi issue - Dr Chongwe asks Levy
By Brighton Phiri
Monday December 10, 2007 [03:00]
PRESIDENT Mwanawasa owes Zambians a detailed explanation over the closure of criminal proceedings against Moses Katumbi, prominent lawyer Dr Rodger Chongwe has said. Commenting on government's announcement that it had discontinued and closed all the criminal and civil actions against Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Katanga Province governor Katumbi, Dr Chongwe said the MMD government was not being sincere and transparent in its dealings with Katumbi.
"What I know is that this government told us that Moses Katumbi received US $20 million from former president (Frederick) Chiluba's government to purchase arms and that neither did the arms arrive in Zambia nor was the money reimbursed for failure to supply the arms. They also told us that the Task Force on corruption will ensure that either the money or arms were brought into the country," Dr Chongwe said.
"Who doesn't know how Katumbi through his Chani Fisheries Company was at the centre of rigging elections through corruption under the Chiluba regime? And this is the man government is telling us that he now owes us nothing? What has happened to the US $20 million?"
Dr Chongwe wondered whether President Mwanawasa and his government had forgotten about the controversy that arose from former information minister Vernon Mwaanga's visit to Katanga that led to his dismissal. He asked government to explain how they arrived at the settlement with a person whom they accused of plundering the country's resources.
"This government owes its people a detailed explanation over this matter. And this explanation must come from the President himself because the Task Force cannot enter into such an agreement without his authority," Dr Chongwe said.
"Surely we need to know how the man who owed us US $20 million can suddenly be said to owe us nothing. We all know that Chiluba's leadership attracted the people's disapproval because of his dealings with Katumbi. We seriously need an explanation from President Mwanawasa and not his minions."
He said government's action had nothing to do with legal issues but that of deceit and politics. Dr Chongwe said the good relationship between Kinshasa and Lusaka did not depend on how Katumbi's cases were going to be handled. "Unless this government is telling us that our claims that Katumbi owes us US $20 million are false and that government is apologising for telling us," he said.
"They must come out in the open and tell us that Katumbi did not receive the US $20 million. But who doesn't know Chiluba's illegal dealings with Katumbi?" Government on Friday stated that Katumbi was at liberty to return to Zambia and engage in lawful business he might consider appropriate after the two parties agreed to discontinue and close all criminal and civil actions against the latter.
According to a joint statement on resolution of matters between the Zambian government and Katumbi, through his legal representatives William Nyirenda and Company issued in Lusaka, all outstanding matters between the parties had been resolved to the satisfaction of both.
Government stated that the settlement of the matters between it and Katumbi was intended to secure the maintenance of peace and security between Zambia and the DRC.
Labels: CORRUPTION, KATUMBI, MWANAWASA
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