06/09/2025
GOVT ROBBERS
Just over a year ago, Mr. Milingo Lungu surrendered $24 million in a consent judgment, money from the KCM case that was sitting in his personal bank account. To put that in perspective, that single shady deal alone could have fully financed the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for 16 constituencies.
Today, the Malanji case dominates headlines: a former Minister allegedly using the Presidential Jet to withdraw over $11 million. These are not isolated cases they are only snapshots of the grand looting that crippled our country. Let us be clear: such theft is unacceptable, especially in an economy the size of Zambia’s.
As a member of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee, I vividly recall how in November 2022 we raised the alarm on the scandalous Turkey Chancery procurement that appeared in the 2021 Auditor General's report. On 24th December 2020, Government entered into a sales contract worth $19.5 million, but failed to execute it fully. Proof of payments only covered $6.87 million, leaving an outstanding balance of $12.6 million by May 2022. Today, we read it was withdrawn from the counter, proper grand theft.
When we travelled to Turkey as a committee, our colleagues there could not comprehend how a small economy like Zambia’s could sustain such blatant scandals. To them, it was unbelievable and frankly, we became a laughing stock. This Court outcome, therefore restores our dignity on the front of diplomacy and international relations..
Fast-forward to this year: the Public Accounts Committee report adopted in June 2025 has revealed even more irregularities. This same Ankara Chancery building deal included a $1.8 million service fee and a $1.07 million penalty fee neither of which were explicitly stated in the original contract of sale.
To make matters worse, government continues to lose money. The building was old and did not have adequate space to meet the operations of the Embassy. Its aged pipes caused leakages in the boilers meant to provide heating during the cold season. On top of that, the building is now due for refurbishment in line with Turkish zoning laws, adding further unnecessary costs.
The lesson is clear: Politicians of today must learn from this dark past. Public office is a sacred trust, not an opportunity to plunder. Zambia cannot afford a return to the era of reckless looting. Neither can it ever entrust the same team of looters to preside over its affairs ever again. Never !
