The Commission of Inquiry appointed by President Sata to probe corruption allegations into the procurement of oil and petroleum products started sitting in Lusaka yesterday.
Chairperson Wynter Kabimba said the commission was not set up for retribution and will not be prejudicial in executing its mandate.
President Sata recently dissolved the Energy Regulation Board and appointed the commission of inquiry.
President Sata appointed the commission to address what he called corruption in the energy regulation sector. President Sata said that there was too much corruption in the handling of energy in the country, and that the current fuel prices at the time were supposed to be cheaper by more than K500 per litre.
Other members of the commission sitting include Guy Phiri, Chipili Katunasa, Hang’umba Hang’umba, Charles Mushota, and Kelly Mwanamwale.
And Former Chairperson of the disbanded Board of Directors at ERB Sikota Wina said that his team would fully co-operate with the Wynter Kabimba Commission of Inquiry.
Mr. Wina said that the former board members had nothing to hide regarding the operations of the ERB, stating that it was understandable that the new government wanted to clear the air over the performance of the Energy sector.
ZNBC
This is long overdue. Zambian pipo need to know what’s going on in this sector and therefore, the commission of inquiry set up so far is most welcome. Only the guilty are afraid they say otherwise, if the former Sikota Wina board has nothing to hide, well and good afterall, its for the benefit of the Zambian pipo, simple…
In Bemba we say “CHUMBU MUNSHOLOLWA” not “CHUMBU MUNSHULULWA”.
When will the country benefit from Ethanol from Mazabuka?
Mandate that 10% of fuel must be Ethanol now.
Why not a commission to focus on corruption in every area? ACC?
Wynter is smart. He is a big honcho in PF, that’s why he didn’t take on some stressful lowly Cabinet position.
In other news..spotted drinking Chibuku at a Lusaka tavern, Shikapwasha, Mwaanga and newly bailed out Willie Banda
Dont worry Mr Believer, all the areas we be combed through. He is taking one step at a time whilst avoiding putting too many eggs in one basket. This is exactly what I said when some folks asked why has he only sacked the police IG leaving out the Army Commander? My response was that he is getting there too. It is usually dangerous to deal with the two arms at the same time. This is what RB did when he made sweeping changes in the security wing at the same time triggering a widespread condemnation. One of those who questioned and condemned such a move is the former Army Commander in the second republic Bo General Malimba Masheke. If you remember Bo Gen Masheke was threatened with espionage by the RB regime for attacking what he described as a reckless decision.Â
We demand a clean sweep in every nook and cranny, then dust and polish Zambia until she shines nga ko basubile chimono.
Aboslutely nothing to do with retribution. People should not worry if they did not do anything wrong. If we are going to stump out corruption, this is more than necessary.
We were on course of atleast minimising it with LPM until the free-for all president came and took over. In less than 3 years corruption peaked. The man was not bothered as long as he was being flown around the world. As if to rub it in, he shielded people perceived to be corrupt.
It`s squeaky bum time Dora!
The prices of petrol in zambia reflect the international high price and volatility of oil prices.For Sata to think that prices could be cheaper by more than 500k is a poor reflection of his lack of knowlegde about economics.His commission will come up with nothing of substance to explain his wild and unrealistic imaginations on oil prices.
But fuel was reduced by about K500.00 so wahts your point? And if you think there’s no corruption or at least illegal dealings in the sector then you are misinformed. MMD government was making a commission from the middle man who supplied and distrubuted the fuel thus taking up the cost of fuel. BP and Total have for a long time wanted to setup a real refinary in this country but the MMD blocked them coz they knew they won’t be making their massive commissions. Ask Maureen Mwanawasa about the $15m of fuel that she supplied to zambia during one of the fictitious shortages… There is need for this inquiry unless this commission is also corrupted.
you are a liar sir!!here the govt reduces fuel prices even when countries like ZED increase,they dont know economics you said??Am in Africa,dont think its a different continent.
That rich from you when you consider that in the States (where you are)Â gasoline per gallon is cheap as chips in fact among the cheapest in the western world!!Â
@#7 Enka there is alot to investigate at the Energy Board unless you are the only Jew who doesn`t know what went on there. Or, unless you are one of the people who caused that uproar and you are praying the truth is not reviewed.
On Economics, this is the problem we have as Africans, H.E MCS doesn`t need to be an economist to understand the happenings at ERB. If that was was the case then he should as well understand medicine, got to be a metallagist for him to understand the health and mining sector for example. That is very simplistic my friend.
JUST DEAL WITH THE THIEVES MR KABIMBA……….. NO MERCY NO KINDNESS EVEN IF IT TAKES REVENGE DEAL WITH THE BAGAZ
@ ENKA, who told you that the president must be a jack of all trades. My friend dont talk from without. he has special advisors besides him working tirelessly. just accept that your candidate lost and post wise comments herein. we can only have one president at a time.
Problem,this could be ommission of enquiry number one million since zambia`s independence,but no report even for the findings of one commission has been availed.so am not excited.but iam eager and anxious to know if these chaps i hav supported all my life in the name of MMD were eating fat toads behind my back.come on winter tell me the truth!!!!!!
I wonder why Mr Kabimba should feel that he needs to preamble his commission with a no retribution disclaimer.
This is the problem of appointing a full fledged party cadre, Â with an infinite losing streak of court cases ever suffered by a lawyer in the Zambian judicial history, to lead such an important commission.Â
Rather than get on with the job, he now has to devote his entire energy justifying the commission itself and his appointment.
Just get on with it and we hope the report will not take as long as your yet to be released  council report audit from PF. Get to work. We are watching.
@ 7Â Enka Rasha
If it is simple economics why is Zambia the most expensive place on the continent to buy fuel ???
It is also the most expensive place to fly to in Africa.
Someone at KK,s Airport is making a lot of money,thats y.
Someone at KK,s Airport is making a lot of money,thats y.
The mandate of the commission should have been widened to cover ZESCO and other Para-statal companies.Next time don,t omit to enclude custom excise,at the Boarders.
Wynter we support you
ERB is a regulatory institution responsible for developing operational guidelines for sectoral players in the energy sector. Is ERB involved in oil procurement? Doesn`t the law only allow ERB to ensure that there is adequate supply of oil in the country? Is ERB also involved in awarding oil supply contracts? Its bizarre for a regulatoy agency to be involved in the procurement of oil. This commission is just a waste of time and resources . I doubt if there is anything of substance worth a commission of inquiry.
ERB is a regulatory institution responsible for developing operational guidelines for sectoral players in the energy sector. Is ERB involved in oil procurement? Doesn`t the law only allow ERB to ensure that there is adequate supply of oil in the country? Is ERB also involved in awarding oil supply contracts? Its bizarre for a regulatoy agency to be involved in the procurement of oil. This commission is just a waste of time and resources . I doubt if there is anything of substance that will come out —–worth a commission of inquiry.
Bootlicker. The way you guys were running the judiciary, any Solicitor, Barister would have lost cases in Zambia. My prayer is H.E MCS doesn`t follow your corrupt ex-president`s ways, you guys can go to court a million times and win zero!
RB controlled everything including the Police. Reason your William Banda was not arrested until we Zambians kicked you mugs out. Wait and see how this unfolds!
Can someone explain to me how the commission can be impartial when Ba presda’s actions and words have extremely prejudiced the proceedings. (for the intellectually challenged let me draw it out in crayon) If the boss makes sweeping statements that there is corruption and backs his allegations by sacking a bunch of people it puts poor Wynter under pressure to find something at all costs so as to save his boss’ face finding nothing ceases to be an option. if it was suspension pending wynter’s search then the guy would be said to be impartial. As the situation stands its “there is corruption Wynter swaaaaaaaaaa! go find it boy go on!”
GOOD INTENTION BAD EXECUTION!
ERB became a LOZI empire…its was tirbalism,nepotism at its best..yes fire the lot…
What amazes me is the selective amnesia Zambians have.Sata was in MMD longer than even RB ,Sata was smackdab in the middle of the corrupt systems and policies MMD put in place.Most of these PF guys were MMD,lets focus of building our economy instead of witch hunting.Look at how much money was wasted trying to convict the late Chiluba.Move on people….
wen z zamtel probe starting bcoz RB & nasusu has 22% in new zamtel.please HE Sata hury b4 rb do s/thing stupid
Call it what you want but this is terrible witch-hunting and PF leadership should also prepare for it when the next govt takes power. They will not get away with it if they attempt any stealing. No person is in power forever, so unless Sata and his PF are very sure that they themselves are PERFECT human beings, they should be careful in the way they conduct this witch-hunt. It definitely will lead to divisions in the country whichever way it ends. Plain advice.
dreamer wait for twenty years thats when you etch etch(hh) will be matured
ENKA RASHA, NO 9
I BELIEVE YOU DONT TRAVEL TOÂ INSINUATEÂ THAT THE PRICE OF FUEL IN ZAMBIA CAN NOT COME DOWN FURTHER. I WILL GIVE YOU ZIMBABWE DESPITE THE CURRENCY BEING THE MOST USELESS IN THEÂ WORLDÂ IF YOU WERE TOÂ CONVERTÂ TO ZAMBIA KWACHA IT WILL STILL BE CHEAPER. GO TO TANZANIA THE PRICE IN ZAMBIA KWACHA IS K5860 TZ DOES NOT PRODUCE OIL. GO TO SA THE PRICE IN ZED K IS K4980 SO JUST SHUT UP YOU FOOL
ENKA RASHA, NO 9
I BELIEVE YOU DONT TRAVEL TOÂ INSINUATEÂ THAT THE PRICE OF FUEL IN ZAMBIA CAN NOT COME DOWN FURTHER. I WILL GIVE YOU ZIMBABWE DESPITE THE CURRENCY BEING THE MOST USELESS IN THEÂ WORLDÂ IF YOU WERE TOÂ CONVERTÂ TO ZAMBIA KWACHA IT WILL STILL BE CHEAPER. GO TO TANZANIA THE PRICE IN ZAMBIA KWACHA IS K5860 TZ DOES NOT PRODUCE OIL. GO TO SA THE PRICE IN ZED K IS K4980 SO JUST SHUT UP YOU GUY
@ 16 am with you on customs exercise at borders…..this needs some serious combing. ZRA officials working at border posts are amassing wealth exploiting people and reaping us of our hard earned cash. Try bringing a car and you will see how they get excited…if you try to walk the straight path they willgive you some serious duty to pay. Worse still try import a car from Europe or America and the immediately the tax goes up the roof 10 times…
WHY IS THIS COMMISSION HEADED BY A PF CADRE WHEN IS PF GOING TO UNDERSTAND STATE AND PARTY ARE DIFFERENT ENTITIES?
THIS COMMISSION SHOULD BE INDEPENDENT FROM PARTY POLITICS IF ITS INTEGRITY IS TO BE MAINTAINED (IF HAS ANY). A RETIRED JUDGE WOULD BE THE BEST OPTION AS HE/SHE WILL BE INDEPENDENT FROM PARTY OR STATE INFLUENCE.
Kelly Mwanamwale???
kabimba you shud do a good job. dont be political. dont turnish the image of pf. you must be nuetral
#27 cikala Wynter is an Educated man who understands issues. Just because he is PF should not exclude him from participating in important national assignment such as the one in question. And by the way this is not a PF commission of enquiry but a national one instituted by the President of Zambia H.E.MCS.
The Chief Lumpen Sata knows there is nothing of substance Kabimba is going to find. Since The Chief Lumpen did not give his lapdog Kabimba a cabinet post due to Kabimba’s lack of Northern/Luapula Bemba axis credentials he had to find him something to do! Hence this st.u.pi.d commission. St.u.pi.d because a serious President would have appointed a Judge to head it not a partisan third rate lawyer like Kabimba. Honestly who is going to take the findings of this commssion seriously? It is a worst of public resources!
What about Lubinda, Inonge,Zulu,Simuusa, Scott e.t.c.? Would you be saying the same if your cousin HH had won the elections? lol.
apparently the judiciary is one of the least trusted institutions in zed……
Good morning
This has nothing to do with witch-hunting or retribution. It’s all about accountability and straightening up the crooked ways as we move forward.
In my personal analysis, PF’s survival and future will depend on their anti-corruption credentials and their abiliy to vigorously prosecute the perpetrators. Alongside economic prosperity, this is the change that most Zambians voted for and expect to see. PF should keep this in mind as they try to steer the ship forward.
Of course there will be a new set of challenges along the way but there has to be a tangible difference between MMD governance and PF governance. Otherwise the elections were in vain.
Was looking at the sir names of the Lawyers in the commission of Inquiries. No Tribalism.Â
Good work PF
Are you sure…?? how do you explain intermarriages
After 90 days this country shall sparkling clean! TOR should also include issues of Nepotism, Tribalism and Favouritism which are rife in these institutions. We need to root out these evils now!
No 10. please try to be realist and remove sentiments. If you say you know wasing going on why did you not say it? We hat isues that bulid the country and Zambia is not an isolated country.
I have this to say if we want economic development we make learn and apply a lot of economic policies etc.
Why is it trhat when the president appoint a minister etc , vetting on the credibility of the nominee is never done. These are problems of zambian demoncray and economic abuse in our country. We need to know not just fire and appoint.
That is the problem crepping in zambia to day and triblal appointments across. We are watching this govt very closly.
While there is no tribalism, the commission of inquiry has a worse evil than tribalism. Kabimba and 2 other commissioners are all married to the same sisters. That is 3 people in the commission are related. Is this not corruption? I wonder if not all commissioners are connected in one way or another.
The richest African president in three years of un consititional rule. Please probe the parantage of the one time poor man now the richest.
Watch the price of fuel in Zimbabwe will rise to levels above Zambia, becos Mugabe used to get free oil from Gaddafi, as Zambia is buying on the International market prices.
The chairperson should not have a full time PF cadre like kawimba,the commission findings won’t be convincing too bad on this one. The whole exercise is important but not kawimba please mr presido.
Clean every room of our country, you have our support .
Its high time we got rid of corrupt tendercies in Zambia. Make sure all the plunderers go to where they commonly belong…jail for life.
We have suffered more than enough in the last 20yrs. Please arrest the criminals.
Commission of inquiries is an approach world over to get to the root of issues so that their out come can provide the way forward. However, the members executing the task have to be above board, usualy eminent individuals who are impatial. This is well handled mainly by judges and lawyers with impecable record of won cases. I agree with #21 that a partisan PF in chair to head commission will result in outcome of misgivings to the general public.
PF govt have alot to learn including issues they were good at while in opporsition, an issue Zambians will take PF not tobe serious with governance.
If there are good intentions in these initiates, Government must practice transpareny in its current dealings. There are unconfirmed plans, for example, to reinstate a former MD of one of the subsidiaries of one large insurance company, this time as Group MD. The individual was dismissed two years ago for gross financial abuse, diverting company business to his uncle’s broking firm; plaicng insurance cover for his uncle’s birds when they fail sick and paid out a claim etc. Now they seek to re-instate him with back-dated pay without investigating the circumstances under which the disciplinary measures were carried out. I doubt this is the way that will deliver prosperity for Zambia.
What is the terms of reference for this commission of enquiry.This is a money making scum.
There must be an explaination why Zambia has the most expensive fuel in Africa. Even Zimbabwe that went thru a crises has cheaper fuel. It is important they unravel this fuel issue at it directly affects the price of ALL commodities in Zambia, tourism and people’s income.
It is really a mystery how Zambia’s fuel incomparison to Malawi, South Africa and Malawi is almost double the price. Zambia is the same continent as them please explain WHY . What was the previous energy board doing that they couldn’t copy what other countries are doing to keep their price of fuel down? Fuel prices has alot to do with the unsustainable expensive prices in Zambia. PF this is a practical 90 day strategy that can put more money in investors, people and businesses pockets if pursued.
First Things first, Who buys fuel and other petroleum products for Zambia? I thought ERB was only a regulatory body that supervises the entire Energy sector. The procuement is done by the Ministry of Energy through the ZPPA. unless things have changed
In all honesty you don’t even need Wynter to chair the commission an impartial retired Judge with nothing to lose would have done the job as MMD were so arrogantly corrupt and very naive in the thinking that they had another 5 years in the pocket. Catching these crooks will be as easy as catching catfish in a drying pond in the dry season.Â
The only problem is politicians will always be politicians; back dealing and private amnesty are highly likely before ACC and DEC move in.Â
@ 48 good question and thats what we must address to bring down the fuel price. There are too many middlemen in the procument of fuel hence the high price.
Already looking at composition of the commissioners they are not credible peaple that can bring about good results. May one or two peaple are credible and therefore we dont expect positive results here. In my own opinion the commision is put together to say thank you for the job well done during the campains.
Why not put credit peaple like credible layers and peaple from the energy sector who knows what was affecting them. This is another scam wait and see.
@ 50 i meant procurement
Well at times you need a person who knows the ropes and has been there. May Sata willhelp clean the system since he has been there with the corrupt MMD. He may just have the answers to what he saw while in office with King Chilu. I personnaly I am just looking forward to more cash in the pocket. PF govt should stay forecast on this promise whatever they do. Commissions are okay as the end result is more cash, corrupt free (at the top most) and infrastructural development starts to be seen accompanied by 40 000 new jobs every quarter of the year minimum.
We can have all the inquiries in the world, spend all that money and the end of the day we’ll find that something was wrong. We’ll be happy for a few days, then realize that fuel is still expensive.
Can we build another refinery please? We are 47 years old for crying out loud! Do we have to import oil all the way from Iran – why don’t we investigate THAT? Nigeria has oil, Angola has oil, and I’m sure that we have oil. Why don’t we investigate THAT?
A lot of ignorance here. How do you expect RSA and Tanzania which sit on sea shore not to have cheaper fuel than Zambia. Didnt we learn in school that Zambia is a landlocked country?
Any person who knows the fuel sector in Zambia knows that there’s nothing this commission will find out. Because there’s nothing to find out.
Zambia fuel prices are based on International oil prices, then add shipping crude oil on sean and pumping via Tazama to Ndola, add refinery costs, distribution costs etc then finally Govt taxes – import duty, VAT etc.
Where does ERB acts corruptly in this sequence.
Sheer ignorance. Costly commision of inquiry. Its all about giving jobs to the boys.
Its called cronism. Open your eyes to see what is going on, tax payers!
I agree with No. 22 the ERB is a Lozi Empire. The Board and management was comprised of more lozis than any other tribe. The Chairman had a personal to holder car and medical expenses paid for in South Africa. This was done when he was not an Eexecutive Chairman. What is the meaning of this? Corruption at its best!!!
#55, if that’s the case, then explain why fuel is cheaper in Malawi and Zimbabwe. As I recall both of these countries are landlocked. How can one fathom the fact that Zimbabwe through out its economic malaise, still maintained cheaper fuel prices than Zambia. It simply does not make any sense. The whole fuel procurement structure has to be looked at, such as all the taxes, delivery and all the bogus middle men, who inflated their prices. The truth will come out.
@#55 Observer. Development is expensive. If you are going to use the net you should know this.
Commissions are used to investigate and as a source to learn from. How do you know they won`t find anything? And, Even if they didn`t find anything how do we move forward?
Stop being a tool and grow up.
Commission of inquiry chaired by a partisan politician?
Reasons for high fuel prices in Zambia1. corrupt procurement process2. Co mingled crude procured from 2nd or 3rd party companies in middle east.3. old tazama costly to maintain. Maintenance costs absorbed by high fuel prices4. Too many middle companies involved in the  transaction namely, banks(as financiers since the gvt cant afford), Inspection companies working on behalf of gvt and banks to report on volumes, Tazama responsible as transporters and as fuel terminal managers, Indeni, ERB, and Ministry of Energy. All these campanies and gvt depts get some share from fuel sales.5. Theft by inspection campanies workers and Indeni  workers is rampant.Most of whih are not reported to the gvt by inspection companies for fear of having their contracts terminated.
please look into these.
#35 what do you mean by “number of Sir names??”
Skoolu (AKA School/education) mudala!!! Presume you were alluding to “Surnames!!”
#57 Putin. In UK tax on fuel makes 62%. Most countries have high tax on fuel. A variation in that tax accross countries can make a very big difference.
#60 Pepecho spot on. You seem to know what you are talking about. Though some elements seem minor.
So how many commissions is the tax payer going to fund. What are the police and ACC and other gvt organs there for? How much cash is the tax payer going to spend. Bo levy went that way and with RB we all know of how it all ended- well just visit the fresh grave and EP. We need to think carefully of these expensive commissions.
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