THE Government Joint Investigations team is investigating six senior management officials at Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) who served under the Railway Systems of Zambia (RSZ).

Sources have disclosed that as a result of the investigations, some senior management officials have been placed on forced leave.

Government Joint Investigations Team public relations officer Namukolo Kasumpa in a response to a Press query confirmed that the team was conducting an inquiry into the operations of ZRL.

Sources also indicated that bank accounts had been seized and that some officials at the rail firm had been sent on forced leave.

"I can confirm that the Government Joint Investigations Team is conducting an inquiry into Zambia Railways Limited. However, I am unable to provide further details at this stage as investigations are on-going.

"As regards to information on members of staff of Zambia Railways Limited, I wish to advise that you contact the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications under which ZRL falls," she said.

But reliable sources within ZRL said some senior management officials were sent on forced leave to pave way for the investigations.

Sources further said newly appointed ZRL chief executive officer Clive Chirwa has refused to authorise any payments before the accounts could be audited.

Efforts to get a comment from Professor Chirwa and Transport , Works, Supply and Communications Minister Chris Yaluma proved futile as both mobile phones were not reachable.