ZNS dismisses staff sergeant for smuggling mealie meal on the Copperbelt

ZAMBIA National Service (ZNS) has dismissed a staff Sergeant after he was found guilty of abetting the smuggling of mealie meal on the Copperbelt.

Meanwhile, five other officers implicated in the smuggling operation have been referred to a court martial for displinary action.

However, one of the officers has been acquitted after being exculpated of all charges.

ZNS chief of administration Brigadier General, Daniel Sikazwe disclosed in an interview that the development follows reports, supported by substantial evidence, implicating some uniformed personnel operating on the Copperbelt in conniving with smugglers to illegally transport the commodity out of the country.

Brig General Sikazwe said the erring officers were subjected to disciplinary hearings conducted under the authority of the court, which commenced last Wednesday.

He said of the seven officers implicated in the smuggling activities one was discharged and another was acquitted.

"The remaining five, three soldiers and two officers have been referred to a court martial scheduled to convene next week to deliberate on the charges against the implicated officers,” he said.

Brig Sikazwe further indicated that the affected officers were drawn from various units but had been operating in the same area.

He said the court martial has full authority to handle cases of this magnitude, and was confident in the process.

"The crackdown demonstrates commitment by the ZNS Command to root out corruption and indiscipline within the Service. I advise officers to stay committed to their mandate of serving the nation with integrity and dedication, to avoid facing the wrath of the law if found wanting," he said.

On Monday, January 13, ZNS Commander Lieutenant General Maliti Solochi issued a stern warning that the Service would not hesitate to dismiss any personnel that would be found guilty of abetting the smuggling of mealie meal and related products out of the country.