Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Drug Enforcement Commission through its Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit has arrested a 50 year-old Zimbabwean national for attempting to obtain money by false pretences contrary to the laws of Zambia.
Commission Spokesperson Theresa Katongo says Thomas Mutano on dates unknown but between 1st January, 2011 and 31st March, 2014 in his capacity as Director of Pyvate Investments Limited, a company incorporated in Zimbabwe, did purport not to have collected 4, 000 metric tonnes of maize worth $583, 110 United States Dollars from the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) through some named local organisations when in fact he had collected.
Ms Katongo tells QFM News that investigations have revealed that the maize was collected from Chitongo, Kabwe and Mungwi FRA Depots and later exported to Zimbabwe by Pyvate Investments and other companies.
She says the suspect with full knowledge of having collected the maize made a claim for a refund from the FRA purporting that he did not collect the maize.
And in a related development, the Commission through a joint operation with the Police in Serenje has arrested Reagan Chama Mandona, 33, a businessman of 236 Kakola Road in Roma for cutting and trafficking in the Mukula Tree contrary to the Environmental Management Act.
Ms Katongo says the suspect has subsequently been charged for money laundering contrary to the laws of Zambia and that the Commission has since seized K85, 000 in cash, a Toyota Prado and nine (09) Export seals.
Meanwhile, the Commission in Lusaka has arrested and jointly charged Agnes Mukuka, 46, a housemaid residing at 44004 Water Works in Libala and her son Chibwe Chitundu, 23, of the same abode for forgery and uttering of false documents contrary to the laws of Zambia.
Particulars of the offence are that Agness Mukuka and Chibwe Chitundu whilst acting together with other persons unknown used a forged National Registration Card in the name of Ireen Chituwo and presented it at Intermarket Securities where they attempted to fraudulently sell 1, 000 shares from Lafarge, 32 shares from Copperbelt Energy Corporation and 3, 500 shares from Airtel belonging to Ireen Chituwo.
The duo has since been convicted to 12 months Imprisonment with Hard Labour by the Lusaka Magistrates Court.