Lumezi District Commissioner, Phiri, arrested, may be prosecuted for missing 160 bags of maize

Police in Lundazi have charged and arrested Lumezi District Commissioner, Jimmy Phiri, for abuse of office.

This is according to Police deputy spokesperson, Danny Mwale, in a statement issued on Thursday.

Mwale said this comes barely days after Luapula Province Deputy Permanent Secretary was fired along with five District Commissioners for allegedly being part of transportation of minerals suspected to have been stolen.

“Phiri has also been jointly charged and arrested together with the two Food Reserve Agency (FRA) Depot Clerks identified as Mubanga Musoma aged 23 and Masiye Mbewe aged 46 all based at Chikomeni FRA Holding Depot for the offence of Theft by Public Servant,” Mwale said.

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He explained that the arrest was in connection with the suspected theft of 271 by 50 Kilogrammes bags of white maize.

Mwale said police recovered 160 bags and investigations have intensified.

“The alleged offence occurred on February 24, 2023 in Chikomeni area of Lumezi District in Eastern Province. The suspects are detained in Police custody waiting for court appearance,” he said.

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