Silavwe accuses Hichilema govt of ‘white collar plunder’ in out-of-court settlements involving UPND members (Video)

The government has been accused of engaging in “white collar plunder” through compensations awarded to members of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) who have sued the state for various reasons.

Jackson Silavwe, President of the Golden Party of Zambia, criticised the Attorney-General for settling and compensating these cases out of court, which he described as ironic and suspect.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday, Silavwe alleged that individuals affiliated with the UPND had received substantial sums of money from the state.

“The large number of senior UPND officials and associates of President Hakainde Hichilema who have been compensated by the state is deeply troubling,” he said.

He cited a recent case in which the state awarded 17 UPND members K600,000 each in damages for false imprisonment through a consent judgment. Additionally, the state would cover K800,000 in legal fees for the plaintiffs.

Silavwe also referred to the case of Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali, who allegedly received K450,000 “for personal logistics” from the state that employs him.

He further mentioned that President Hichilema’s co-accused in a previous treason case had been awarded K6.4 million each, which was justified by Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha.

Silavwe argued that the intent behind both traditional and white collar plunder is the same: to allow individuals or groups wielding state power to benefit from public funds.

“Those receiving these payments and their supporters seem to feel justified in doing so, even as the cost of living becomes increasingly unaffordable for many Zambians, compounded by drought and a lack of medicines in hospitals,” he said.

He concluded by stating that a government where senior officials prioritize personal grievances over public needs had already failed and should not be allowed to remain in power, although Zambians tend to tolerate much.

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