The Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) has said that the acquittal of Mr Henry Kapoko and his accomplices is very suspect. In a Pastoral letter to released to the media, where they have addressed a number of issues, CCZ encouraged the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC), who have expressed that they would appeal this case, to boldly go ahead and do it in a way that it will be a water tight case.
The CCZ wondered who could have embezzled the Funds at the Ministry of Health.
Below is the full statement
A PASTORAL LETTER
NOVEMBER, 2012
1.0 Preamble
We, the Heads of Churches under the umbrella of the Council of Churches in Zambia met on 7th November, 2012 to reflect and to deliberate on a number of matters pertaining to the livelihood of the people in Zambia especially the poor. We also took time to interrogate national issues as we see them unfold in the nation which have direct bearing on the well-being of our country Zambia and impact negatively on the lives of the Zambian people. We also deliberated on governance issues in general.
We continue to reaffirm our role in the Nation as people who advocate for social justice, peace and development and as such we intensely endeavor to protect the interests of the majority of the voiceless people in Zambia. Our inspiration always comes from the prophetic voice according to the word of God. We believe we are obliged to bring to the nation an enlightened Christian opinion on issues affecting the spiritual, physical, social and well-being of Zambians and we offer a holistic ministry for human dignity informed by God’s truths and God’s desire that all may live a life of abundance.
2.0 State of Politics in Government
2 Sam 23.3b-4 “……. He who ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be like the light of the morning when the sun riseth, a morning without clouds, as the tender grass spring out of the earth, by clear shining after rain.” (2 Sam 23.3b-4)
The Council of Churches in Zambia continue to believe that the government still has good will from the people of Zambia. The same good will Zambians exhibited during the last general elections when the Government was ushered into office in September, 2012. We hasten to say, however, that we are concerned with the direction in which the Government is leading our Country Zambia. This concern has been prompted by the way the Government has set itself to repeat all the things that the Zambians said they did not appreciate in the previous governments. This trend is a threat to the aspiration of the Zambian people who had hoped to see new dispensations, new ideologies, new work ethics, new values and new focus on the improvement of the lives of the people. People believed the promise of a better Zambia.
So far indications are that not much has changed as we continue to see concentration on the well-being of the leaders rather than the led. The leadership wrangles, in full view of the nation, perpetuated by very senior members of Government are an indicator of lack of vision, insight and discipline in the government ranks. The hostility and the language used are destructive. This state of affairs is disheartening and should not be tolerated by the party in government. Zambians are not interested in wrangles of people jostling for positions, but only want to see proper and long lasting development in the nation as they were promised before the elections. The wrangles are only taking away people’s confidence in the government. We call upon the President to bring these wrangles to an immediate stop. The news on conflict in our media should be replaced with plans of where and how the government intends to develop Zambia and lead her out of her poverty. This is the basic reason that the Zambians voted the current government into power; to bring long lasting development that takes precedence over all personal, selfish desires of individuals.
3.0 Fight Against Corruption
2 Peter 2:19 – While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
The acquittal of Mr Henry Kapoko and his accomplices is very suspect in our view to say the least. This takes away the confidence that people have in the government to effectively fight corruption.
This is not the first time that a high profile case has just fizzled out of the face of the earth. We want to encourage the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC), who have expressed that they would appeal this case, to boldly go ahead and do it in a way that it will be a water tight case.
The Zambians would like to see the case dealt with to its logical conclusion. It concerns the loss of billions of Kwacha meant for the well-being of Zambians and for the case to be disposed off in the manner that it has been is very sad and very suspicious.
This case, if not properly determined will only erode confidence of the people who generously provide the resource for the betterment of the people of Zambia especially those living with HIV/AIDS.
The question we are asking is; if Mr Kapoko is not the embezzler then who is? This case must not be allowed to just go away. Someone must be held responsible for the disappearance of the money meant for development.
4.0 By-Elections
Mathew 5:9 – Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God.
We have noted the tendency by the new government to use the same language that has been used over the years to intimidate Zambians during the elections, to frighten the electorate into submission with statements like “we shall not bring development to this place if you do not vote for our candidate”. This type of campaign messages is erroneous and unacceptable. Many people in Zambia contribute to the national resource basket in terms of paying all kinds of taxes and therefore whether they vote for one party or another they are all entitled to development because they are all Zambians. Governance issues are not the same as party issues. Government’s role is to develop the country on behalf of all Zambians. Politicians must take note that all people have the right to freely elect leaders of their choice as this is their constitutional right and should not be deprived of their livelihood because they voted for a different party.
Misuse of government resources, just like before, continues unabated. The sudden appearance of relief food, quick fix development belongs to the past and is not expected of the Government which promised Zambians new type of politics.
The Council of Churches is encouraged with the campaigns in Mufumbwe. It is our prayer that these by-elections will proceed and conclude in a non-violent manner. All parties who are taking part in the elections must exercise maximum maturity, self-control, self- restraint by all means. We are encouraged by the political parties demonstration of maturity in Mufumbwe which has been done in a non violent manner so far. We have said this before and we say it again that we will not accept members of parliament who to go Manda Hill riding on the blood-soaked backs of poor innocent Zambian due to selfishness and impunity of some politicians. We will accept nothing short of clean politics for a change in this country.
5.0 Gender Based Violence
Ephesians 4:31-32 – Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice. And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
The Council of Churches in Zambia will participate together with other stakeholders in the forthcoming 16 days of activism through a worship service, TV and radio programmes, bible studies, youth indabas. This occasion we believe provides a good platform for the church fraternity to show commitment to reducing Gender based violence which has become endemic in the nation. We, therefore, call upon all our member churches to ensure that they all participate in their various locations in this important programme. It has become imperative that we join forces with the government and other stakeholders to fight this ugly phenomenal in our country. As a church we should ourselves take serious steps in embracing GBV programmes in all our churches. This requires that we not only participate in the 16 days of activism but that we make it our business to put this matter on top of our programmes as it has a huge bearing on the improvement of quality of lives for the people, reduction of poverty and enjoyment of dignity for all as God intented it to be.
We wish all Zambians well.
Signed by: The Rev Suzanne Matale
General Secretary
For and on behalf of the Heads of Churches of CCZ member-churches
Why are you NOT pointing out clear issues like Public Order Act, the move of RDA to State House, the appointments of cadres and one’s tribe mates to foreign missions and government positions, the issue of Barotseland. These are real issues the Church MUST address Not paying lip service like this article
This pastoral letter is neither here nor there, neither cold nor hot. Please, what is the way forward on these issues? What are your suggestions as a Church? Having said what you have said, so what? Mind you, you are dealing with people who already are intoxicated with POWER. You are alone now that the Catholic Church is NOT part of checks and balances for the PF government. If it was RB saying that he like the Public Order Act, they would have matched in protest.
The problem with Zambians is you want to raise a stink after the fact.
You all saw Kapoko stealing and looked the other way. So deal with it now!
Did we not tell you that you were putting a F.O.OL and a M.O.R.ON in statehouse? Do you expect a retard to take the country anywhere? Next time you vote tell you people to be wise. For now you made the bed, get into it
I have said this and I will say it again
And I am no racist; believe you me as I have dated black guys in the past
The fact that he is black and male and the allegations at hand, he should be guilty
To blame the justice system in Zambia is wasting time, because to call those judges, JUDGES
Is an injustice to the millions of other justice who through sheer hard work prestige no prejudice
Judge the cases on their merit
Corruption is the route of all this. Please stop these article just stop
We can’t keep throwing punches at a defenceless man. Stop it LT
Thanks
ur English is bad
If you hate black men and the country of your origin, why do you keep coming back. Find some Scottish site on which you can contribute. You have what in a lay man’s language is called “Attention seeking disorder” and the sooner you get help the better before you implode. Living in a country where each day reminds you that you are a foreigner can be frustrating at times. Stick to the topic and make meaningful contributions.
The Big question is, why is it that when the Government wanted to purge the Judiciary, all chaps making noise today complained and protected the Judiciary. Today the same judiciary you were protecting, is now biting your conscience. When kapoko and his friends were arrested they were given funny charges which the prosecution could not prove beyond reasonable doubt.
It’s all because friends of the Govt seem to have their way and when the courts stand up for justice as they did in the Mmembe, Nchito against DBZ, the president steps in. The question is why not step in on this one too since the incumbent is “allegic to corruption” and this Kapoko case reeks of it!
olo ku kutinga deal, mwa katingilatu bane. Let us hope he does not sue GRZ for his job.
If the DPP really wanted to pin kapoko he would have done it,like he did it with liato.
the church is trying to outline concerns using sensible procedures, lets wait for Govts response, clearly their concerns are valid like party infighting and Kapokos case among others,Even when leaders are chosen by God they need to be corrected and monitored to avoid them getting drunk with power.Well done church,We want developmental issues not the nonsense of infighting and selected corruption fights.Mr president get to the driving seat.
If truly Kapoko is clean, then I don;t know who has stollen/
Kapoko stole too much money, he did not even know what to do with it. Let the church speak for the poor. Kapoko stoe from every Zambian, especilly from the poor. The judge who found him not guilty oughto be investigated and removed from the bench. MMD benefitted from Kapoko’s loot. The chap needs to be locked up. These never ending olympics of stealing public funds have to come to an end. Ba pastor Nevers where are you? Bo HH mwainkakuli ?
Corruption and tribalism is cancer that can not be cured ! It simply can’t be cleared away we are in it for revere! Tell me what options we have to clean Zambia ??????? Will govt do something ? Which Government??? Shame
How can u expect acc to appeal while they are all pf cadres? U see the problem of appointing some cadres in govt departments, now things goes wrong everybody is quiet.
Legalised corruption and theft in Zambia, period. So legalise it or close ACC, Anna’s office if this is what we are being given. How was he acquitted, who were the charges, do they have a heart, were they corrupted. Be serious Zambia, this cant be happenning.
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if only he can declare where he got all the money from. If it was from his savings where was he saving from? I will wait for the lord, kapingula mukalamba!
These old men judges are given too much respect which they do not deserve
Fyabupuba. You raise our expectations about someone stealing and you take that someone to court. You then technically aquit them. WHY DID YOU EVEN START IT IF YOU KNEW WE ARE HEADING NOWHERE. At public meetings you even tell us ati, “i am allegic to corruption ask Rodger chongwe he knows.”
The rumors are that this guy Kapoko funded Sata`s PF using the same money he is alleged to have stolen from Government. So dont expect PF to appeal. This case will only be ressurrected once PF is booted out of power.
Mama Mutale and your organisation, I say hats off t you. The only thing is that you are not bold enough to say the case must be taken back to court by you as a concerned Zambians’ representatives. The law has such provisions. Kapoto may not be the one at the helm but whoever that is should be punished. I also suggest that you need to comment on the lot of issues affecting the less previledged in Zambia, the poor salaries, township roads, water shortages, injustices just to mention a few. You must be the voice of the voiceless.
Sometimes l wonder if we, Zambians, will ever learn! You all know how flawed our system of governance is and yet you complain, nonsense! Unless we fight for a constitution that will apportion power appropriately among the systems of gpovernance ,we shall never get the justice we want. Don’t blame Henry, let the man enjoy the fruits of stupid constitution that we don’t endevour to correct. Don’t worry mune kapoko. Kutumpa kwesu fwe mazambians. Matale, u now should what it means to have planned programs for good governance. Never trust human beings! Bravo henry
We should not fall into the trap of reaching verdicts of guilty on the premise of popular views, “evidence” we read from printed media and gossip flying around. This is not to say that the possibility of a judge erring is completely remote. The issue here is that, evidence related to the case, particularly the manner in which it is presented in a court of law by the prosecuting team should first be reviewed in depth. Cognizance should be taken that the prosecution team may possess overwhelming evidence incriminating the accused but if the evidence as admitted in court is presented in a manner that does not convince the presiding judge to conclude that the case against the accused has been proven beyond any reasonable doubt, the case may not stand.