Chimembe opposes “out of court settlements” during asset recovery

The Foundation For Democratic Process (FODEP) has advised the UPND Government to avoid Out Of Court Settlements in the just embarked on asset recovery program.

FODEP Executive Director George Chimembe states that in as much as out of court of court settlements are within the law, such have less impact on deterring would be offenders.

Commenting on the recent development where the state has possessed the money and house in the faith Musonda case after she willingly surrendered it to the state in line with section 80 of the acc act, Mr. Chimembe feels that taking such a route does not deter would be offenders as they will feel that they can just surrender the proceeds if they were brought to book.

Mr. Chimembe states that in as much as the efforts by the UPND government to recover what was unlawfully taken from the people is noted and appreciated, it is however important that they do it in a way that would deter would be offenders.

He states that what is also important is for the investigative wings of government to conduct the recovery exercise within the framework of the law.

Mr. Chimembe has since stressed that  as the UPND administration continue on the asset recovery program , it will be more satisfying if the people accused of looting assets from the people of Zambia are formerly charged, taken to court, tried and convicted.