A Staff Sergeant from the Zambia National Service (ZNS) has been dismissed after being found guilty of aiding the illegal smuggling of mealie meal in the Copperbelt Province. The officer’s actions, which involved collusion with smugglers to illicitly transport the country’s staple food, have sparked a crackdown on corruption within the military branch.
Brigadier General Daniel Sikazwe, the ZNS Chief of Administration, confirmed in a press statement yesterday that five additional officers implicated in the smuggling operation have been referred to a court martial. This court martial, set to convene next week, will deliberate the charges against three soldiers and two officers. These military personnel are under investigation for their roles in the smuggling operation that endangered the country’s food security.
Brigadier General Sikazwe further clarified that the initial disciplinary hearings, which commenced last Wednesday, led to one officer’s acquittal and another’s discharge. However, the five officers remaining in question, due to the severity of their positions and the nature of the crimes, have been transferred to a court martial for further legal action.
“The officers were found to have been operating in the same region on the Copperbelt and were implicated in the illegal movement of mealie meal outside Zambia,” explained Brigadier General Sikazwe. “The court martial is the appropriate forum to handle cases of this magnitude, especially when it involves senior officers.”
The ZNS leadership has shown unwavering resolve in addressing the corruption issue. Lt. Gen. Engineer Maliti Solochi II, the ZNS Commander, has issued a stern warning to all personnel, emphasizing that anyone found guilty of aiding in the illegal trade of mealie meal or related products will face immediate dismissal. The ZNS Command’s commitment to rooting out indiscipline is evident, with stringent actions being taken against any personnel undermining national interests.
In response to the smuggling incident, Brigadier General Sikazwe reiterated that the Zambia National Service is fully dedicated to maintaining the integrity of its personnel. He advised all officers to remain committed to their duties and serve the nation with utmost professionalism and dedication. The crackdown on corruption and smuggling activities is a testament to the ZNS’s zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct within its ranks.
This event is a part of a broader effort to address food security issues in Zambia, with the government working hard to ensure that staple foods like mealie meal are not siphoned off the national supply for illegal exportation.
As Zambia continues to tackle such criminal activities within its institutions, the ZNS remains vigilant in maintaining a disciplined and transparent force. The outcome of the upcoming court martial will likely have significant implications on the future of the implicated officers and the reputation of the Zambia National Service.
Keywords: ZNS officer fired, mealie meal smuggling, Zambia National Service, Copperbelt, court martial, latest news in Zambia, corruption crackdown, Zambia food security, Brigadier General Sikazwe, ZNS Commander Maliti Solochi II
