The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has expressed concern over allegations by the Judiciary and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (JAWUZ) President Peter Mwale that the 10 court officials arrested in connection with the disappearance of 24 Kg of cocaine at the Lusaka Magistrates Court are being victimized by the commission.
DEC Deputy Public Relations Officer, Kamufisa Manchishi denied the allegations stating that the Commission’s involvement in the investigations of the disappearance of cocaine which was part of other exhibits in an active case is the resultant offense of drug trafficking arising from the theft.
In a statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today, Mr. Manchishi pointed out that the case involving theft of the drugs was actually reported by the Judiciary to the Zambia Police and DEC.
He explained that it is the Commission’s mandate to investigate such a case without fear or favour, including summoning any officers connected to the alleged theft in order for them to be cleared or eventually arrested and presented to court for the due process of the law to take its course.
Mr. Manchisi said the Commission will give an update on the matter in conjunction with relevant security wings once investigations are completed in order to avoid jeopardizing the case.
The DEC deputy spokesperson called on Mr. Mwale to exercise restraint and portray behaviour befitting a leader of judicial officers by avoiding to peddle unfounded allegations.
Mr. Manchishi said DEC operates on an open-door policy and members of the public, including the JAWUZ President, are free to come forward with any information they might have regarding the disappearance of the drugs.
He urged Mr. Mwale to lodge a formal complaint to allow for investigations into the alleged torture claims than tarnishing the image of innocent security officers who are performing their mandate in a professional manner.
Yesterday, a combined team of DEC officers and security personnel apprehended more than 10 court officials at the Lusaka Magistrates Court Complex for allegedly replacing 24 kilogrammes of original cocaine with fake stuff which was evidence in an active case.
Very embarrassing case of illicit drugs (exhibits) being stolen at the courts- who should be the first suspect? with such sad developments, one may even be tempted to think that some judgements are also stolen.
Maybe it was snorted by accident?
Or maybe it got mistaken for mealie meal at state house?
Could explain why our great leader is not quite up there in his decision making.
DEC Deputy Public Relations Officer, Kamufisa Manchishi…..THE NAME OF THE PR SOUNDS LIKE A TYPE OF COCAINE IN LOCAL LANGUAGE
Anyoko, you’ve cracked my ribs…Hahaha
That cocaine can disappear at courts of law…says a lot!
We need to go back to the days when marijuana was the most elicit drug available. With the green we know the culprits will be very slow. Malawi gold on the other hand is a misunderstood plant. kikikiki. Just joking illicit drugs are bad.
Zambian institutions are functioning and that is a wonderful thing. The court as the say, was caught with its pants down. kikikiki. DEC 1- Courts 0.
Tomorrow it will be ZRA versus RTSA 0 – 0 at the moment.
Kikikiki.
WTF..Wasn’t that coke under lock and key!Someone must have made a fortune out of it. Arrest every quack who works there and go search their homes u find a couple of 100s stashed or buried in the liato style
Evidence can’t go missing like that.Fire the f**kers
If the union guy wants to look relevant he should focus on improving work conditions for his members not protecting criminals. Maybe he shared in the proceeds of the stolen cocain.
Comment:some magistrate are stinky corrupt now they have turned into thieves. where,who,what, when will they get them jailed…. Ba belela shame!!!!!