Four officers from the livestock department have been suspended in connection with the illegal movement of cattle in Itezhi Tezhi district.
Central Province Permanent Secretary Bernard Chomba has said that his office has also recommended for the suspension of traffic officers for clearing the vehicles involved.
He said that it was sad that some officers are working against government programme to eradicate animal diseases.
Mr. Chomba said that investigations are underway and those who will be found wanting will face the law.
He told ZNBC news in Mumbwa that there was need for civil servants to prevent the illegal movement of livestock in order to fight animal diseases.
Meanwhile, a combined team of veterinary officers and Zambia Police has impounded three trucks in Mumbwa district – Central province carrying about 100 cattle suspected to have Foot and Mouth disease (FMD).
The cattle are worth about 500,000 Kwacha
Speaking to ZANIS in Mumbwa, Fisheries and Livestock Permanent Secretary David Shamulenge confirmed that one truck containing 74 cattle moving from Itezhi Tezhi district to Mumbwa was impounded by police at Nalusanga check point.
Dr. Shamulenge revealed that the other two trucks had six and nine cattle originating from Nalubanda and Nambwa areas.
The cattle are suspected to have been sourced from Namwala district and are affected by FMD.
Dr. Shamulenge disclosed that government has spent over 30 million kwacha on the fight against FMD.
He has since appealed to Livestock cooperative associations and other stakeholders to partner with government in sensitizing livestock farmers on the dangers of illegal stock movement.
And Central Province Permanent secretary Benard Chomba confirmed the arrest of four officers including a driver from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock to assist with investigations over the matter.
Mr. Chomba cautioned Fisheries and Livestock officers in the province to desist from such illegal activities as it will cost their jobs.
As soon as corps started missing we knew it…