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About 212 by 25 kilogrammes of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) mealie meal valued at more than K68,000 has gone missing at Kasumbalesa Border Post, authorities say.
Zambia National Service (ZNS) Chief of Marketing and Public Relations Officer, Colonel Mable Nyoni, said the mealie meal was meant for exports to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday, Nyoni disclosed that thieves on Monday, 19, 2024 broke into one of the warehouses at Kasumbalesa Border at night and stole the mealie meal.
She said the incident represented a slap in the face of the service’s noble efforts of supplementing government’s efforts of generating additional resources to complement those coming from the treasury.
“Those involved in this illegal act should therefore brace themselves to face the full force of the law,” Nyoni warned.
She indicated that ZNS, working with the Police would fiercely pursue the individuals behind this irresponsible criminal act to ensure they are brought to justice.
Nyoni said the perpetrators risk facing, not only charges related to breaking in and stealing bags of mealie meal but also a possible charge on illegally offloading GMO commodities onto the local market.
“Should they attempt to offload the commodity on the Zambian soil. It is imperative to emphasize that the sale or consumption of GMO products on the local market is strictly prohibited by law,” she emphasized.
Nyoni further urged Zambians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to the sale or distribution of the stolen ZNS mealie meal, particularly those bearing the black label.
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She implored the public to refrain from purchasing the products and to assist law enforcement agencies by providing any pertinent information that may aid in the apprehension of the individuals behind the vice.
“As a direct response to the unfortunate incident, ZNS will intensify security measures at all our depots to prevent any further occurrences,” Nyoni indicated.
She assured that the service was committed to safeguarding its facilities while at the same time protecting the interest of the Zambian people who had chosen not to consume any GMO products.
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