By SYLVESTER MWALE? –
A TRUCKLOAD with more than 660 bags of maize worth more than K46, 000 purchased by the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) have gone missing in Katete in what is believed to be a widespread syndicate by the agency officials.
The maize, which disappeared last month, was destined for Katete main depot in Eastern Province after being loaded from Kazala satellite depot in Chief Kawaza’s area.
However, the commodity did not reach the main depot and it is believed that it has been diverted into neighbouring Mozambique where the price of maize is believed to be higher.
Two people – a buyer for FRA and a driver of Modern Construction Company – have been arrested in connection with the disappearance of the maize to help with investigations.
Police identified the FRA buyer as Pachilani Mtonga who is currently detained at Katete Police Station, while the driver for Modern Construction Company Jonas Banda has been released on bond.
Investigations by the Sunday Times revealed that Mr Mtonga is suspected to have forged the signature for Mr Banda on the loading order so as to indicate that his (Banda’s) truck had loaded the maize from the depot.
However, sources say Mr Banda was actually out of town during the day he is said to have loaded the maize from Kazala satellite depot.
Eastern Province Police chief Grace Chipalila, who confirmed the arrest, said none of the suspects had provided a lead on where the maize could have been taken.
“This maize was supposed to be offloaded at the main depot in Katete but surprisingly, it grew some legs on its way and it never reached the main depot,” Ms Chipalila told the Sunday Times in an interview during the week.
“We have arrested and charged two people in connection with the scam.
The driver has been charged with theft by agent, while the buyer has been charged with theft by servant, and they will soon appear in court.”
The FRA engaged Modern Construction to transport the maize from various buying points in the area to the main depot in town.
Although Mr Banda’s truck has been collecting the commodity in the past, information indicates that the driver had packed his motor vehicle on the material day and left with a friend out of town.
Sources said the loading order issued by the FRA official at the satellite depot for the 660 bags had several irregularities including a forged signature while the registration number of the truck was not appearing.