KCM’s Cobalt plant computers disappear

ANOTHER scandal has emerged at Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) with the two computers valued at US$2,200 used to operate the cobalt processing plant now reported stolen. This situation has angered government which had threatened to deal with any persons conniving with Vedanta Resources to sabotage operations. Minister of Mines and Mineral Development Richard Musukwa warned that anyone found to be trying to frustrate government’s well-intended programme would face the wrath of the law. Mr Musukwa told the Daily Nation in an interview yesterday, the government would not spare KCM workers being used by Vedanta Resources to sabotage the mining firm. “We shall enforce full measure of the law because for a long time, KCM has been posting losses and the machinery behind these losses are now being vandalised. They are scared that the truth is going to be unearthed,” Mr Musukwa said. He said the government would also ensure that all the accomplices are rooted out to save the mining company from collapse. “There are people who have been benefiting from KCM’s challenges, sadly we even have Zambians who have been used as stooges against their fellow Zambians which government would not tolerate,” Mr Musukwa said. Mr Musukwa said it was evident that some people were now being used by their masters to create an impression that the evil schemes could continue and never be unearthed. “We will ensure that all those who have been benefiting corruptly and want to sabotage KCM are dealt with, Mr Musukwa said. “For heaven’s sake, a Zambian to be aiding foreigners to steal and damage the facilities! We are aware of a lot of compromised Zambians who were being used as blue eyed boys and we have intensified surveillance on their activities, this is a Zambian project and we will not tolerate anyone standing in the way of Zambian interest, they will be consumed,” he warned. He said, “Our people have suffered at the hands of Vedanta and we need to restore their God given fortunes which have been looted for a long time.” And police in Chingola have arrested three KCM workers for allegedly stealing two control room computers. Copperbelt Commissioner of Police Charity Katanga confirmed the arrest of the three workers and warned that police will continue to intensify security at the giant mining company to safeguard the assets. Ms Katanga identified those arrested as Nephas Sausande, 51, a shift incharge of house number SQ 35/B in Chingola, Silas Mukupa, 50, also a shift in-charge of house number SQ 180 in Nchanga North Township and Edward Chileshe, a controller 50 of house number 13 in Kabundi East.