Expose the smugglers now!

Dear Editor, IT is heart-breaking that the nation has continued to lose revenue through smuggling and other illegal activities that have been going on for a long time. Smuggling is at the core of these illegal activities that have left the county milked by a few greedy people.

What is more painful is the fact that some crooked public service workers are conniving with the smugglers. They are getting kickbacks from these unscrupulous businessmen for allowing them to cheat the government out of revenue.

These crooks who pretend to be genuine businessmen should be dealt with to stop the vice which is denying Zambian children quality education, housing and quality medical care, among others.

I, therefore, support Islamic Council president Suzyo Zimba’s threats to expose the criminals.

He should not even hesitate for as long as he has the evidence, let him do so.

In fact, Mr Zimba must be supported by all Zambians in this noble cause. Unless we Zambians take it upon ourselves to stop these criminal activities by being whistle-blowers, we will continue wallowing in poverty.

Looking at the huge sums of money lost through smuggling in unpaid mines taxes for precious stones etc, there would be no need for the country to borrow as much as it is borrowing from China and elsewhere now.

It is shameful to borrow when the country is endowed with vast natural resources that are presently being abused and stolen by foreigners with impunity.

The money is there but we must stop the criminals from

illegal and evading tax.

I urge Government to take control and put up sound measures in all sectors of the economy to stop unscrupulous businesses and foreigners from illegally reaping the vast mineral and natural resources of this great country.

We need investors, yes, Government should put the welfare of Zambians as top priority, that’s how it is in other countries too.

JIMMY NYIRENDA. businesses