PROBE SATURNIA, ACC CHALLENGED

…DNA insists ACC must investigate Saturn and privatization cases

IT is disappointing that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) appears to be bent on smearing a corruption tag only on those in Government but has failed to investigate issues surrounding Saturnia and the privatisation process.

Opposition leader, Hakainde Hichilema benefitted hugely from these transactions when he was acting on behalf of government, the Zambian DNA has charged.

In an interview, Zambian DNA spokesperson Spuki Mulemwa wondered why ACC has failed to probe corruption involving Saturnia and the privatization programme which many citizens have been asking for.

The UPND leader was a direct beneficiary despite having been the lead negotiator for the sale of government assets.

He said his organisation was disappointed with the conduct of ACC which had failed to act professionally.

“Zambian DNA is very disappointed with the conduct of ACC which now appears to be bent on smearing a corruption tag only on those in government and those perceived to be close to the Head of State.

“The question we ask is, when is the ACC going to look at the issues of Saturnia and the privatisation process which many citizens have been urging it to investigate but to no avail,” Mr Mulemwa said.

Mr Mulemwa said there was need for Government to disband the ACC and replace it with a professional body that would not be compromised by partisan politics.

“We are disappointed with ACC and in view of the institution’s moribund state, we are calling for it to be disbanded and replaced with a professional body that will not be compromised by partisan politics as the current one,” Mr Mulemwa said.

He accused the ACC of being in an alliance with media houses hostile to the government spearheading a witch hunt disguised as a fight against corruption to paint the government as corrupt when in fact not.