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Zambia: Task Force Stays
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The Times of Zambia (Ndola)
16 May 2008
Posted to the web 16 May 2008
Ndola
GOVERNMENT has justified its decision to indefinitely extend the mandate of the Task Force on Corruption as disbanding will disrupt on-going investigation of cases.
Chief Government spokesperson Mike Mulongoti said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that there were serious cases that the Task Force was currently investigating and disbanding it now would mean disrupting investigations.
Mr Mulongoti said many critics could construe it to have been formed specifically to investigate cases of plunder of national resources from leaders in the previous regime.
He said that the Government would source funds for its continued existence.
Previously, the Task Force was funded by donors and the Zambian Government, but now the State would find resources to fund its operations.
"The fight against corruption is a national project so we cannot depend on donors for funds. We agreed as Cabinet that we shall fund the Task Force from our own resources. We are doing everything possible to ensure that the funds are available," he said.
Mr Mulongoti said the decision to extend the mandate of the Task Force was intended to ensure the conclusion of a good number of cases currently being dealt with.
The Government was satisfied with the operations of the Task Force and therefore saw no reason for disbanding it.
He cited the London judgement and the deal entered into with Katanga Province governor, Moses Katumbi to surrender some properties to the Zambian Government as some of the successful works of the Task Force.
"They have recovered properties worth over K200 billion and others which we would not have known had we not constituted the Task Force. Secondly, through the Task Force we are sending messages to people that no matter their status, corruption should not be tolerated," Mr Mulongoti said.
Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) welcomed the indefinite extension of the mandate of the Task Force.
TIZ president Rueben Lifuka however, expressed concern at the delay to conclude the cases and advised that the probe should not just be restricted to the Chiluba administration.
"We wish to express concern that the corruption cases have dragged on for some time and this extension in the mandate of the Task Force should not imply further delays in concluding these cases.
"Secondly, it is our considered view as Transparency International Zambia that the mandate of the Task Force should not simply be extended in terms of the time frame but the scope of operations as well," he said,
Mr Lifuka said the mandate of the Task Force should be extended for a specific period of time to allow it to complete current activities.
He said the Task Force should be transformed into a permanent institution with the mandate to investigate and prosecute economic and financial crimes and other cases of serious fraud.
TIZ also welcomed the Supreme Court ruling for the State to forfeit the house belonging to former Intelligence chief Xavier Chungu to the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) which was recovered in 2003 valued at over K1 billion.
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Mr Lifuka advised the Government to put in place measures of ensuring that the Zambian people were the final beneficiaries of the proceeds from such asset recoveries.
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