Chiluba,questioned over 7.8 million USD maize deal saga

By William Nguluwe

LUSAKA, Zambia-The task force on corruption in Zambia on Thursday questioned former President Fredrick Chiluba on investigations over a Maize deal that did not materialise but led to the government’s loss of 7.8million USD when he was in power.
A warm and caution statement was recorded and Dr. Chiluba denied the allegations.

Task Force on corruption Chairperson, Max Nkole said Dr. Chiluba was being treated as a suspect in the investigations over the Carlington maize saga, between the Food Reserve Agency in Zambia and the Canadian commodity supplier called Carlington Sales Company
The Task force says Dr. Chiluba was called for questioning because he stood or was at the centre of the deal and was deemed to have been familiar with what happened in the transaction.

The Canadian commodity supplier was being investigated following an agreement with the Zambian Government in 1997/1998 for the supply of maize at a cost of 24 million USD.
The Republic of Zambia transferred in extent of 7.8 million USD towards this contract. However, the maize contract was never honoured by Carlington sales as not a single bag of maize was ever delivered in Zambia. A loss of over 7.8 million USD of public funds remains incurred.

According to a statement released to the press on Wednesday, Task force spokesperson Victor Makayi, said Dr. Chiluba was expected to assist in the task force in its efforts to recover the money or in completing the investigations leading to the arrest and prosecution of the people suspected to have conspired to defraud the state of this money.
“A lot of progress had been made in this case, but before investigations were completed, there is need for more clarification from some potential witnesses,” said Makayi
Dr. Chiluba, meanwhile, has pleaded not guilty to charges that he stole millions of dollars in public funds during his 10-year rule, which ended in 2001.