ACC digs into oil procurement

NANCY SIAME, Lusaka
THE Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) says it has taken note of public discussions on allegations of corruption in the oil procurement process and will pursue the matter.
And the ACC says it is investigating 1,151 cases of suspected corruption.
ACC public relations manager Timothy Moono told a press briefing yesterday that allegations of corruption in the oil procurement process have not been specific.
“After the fuel shortage, there were a lot of insinuations that probably there was corruption in the procurement of oil,” Mr Moono said.
He said Government explained what transpired and that ACC took note of the allegations and wants to deal with them.
“We have to ensure that whatever is happening in Government is happening in a transparent manner,” Mr Moono said.
He said the matter is of national interest and the ACC will pursue it.
Mr Moono also said ACC will continue pursuing individuals suspected to be involved in corrupt practices regardless of their status in society.
He said the ACC received 413 cases of suspected corruption between January to date.
Of these, 284 cases did not have any elements of corruption and were not investigated.
“However, 129 reports contained elements of corruption and out of these, 60 were authorised for investigations and 56 reports did not have sufficient details of corruption offences,” Mr Moono said.
He also said under the review period, ACC recorded 12 arrests and 92 cases are currently before the courts of law.
“Nine convictions have been secured, five acquittals have been recorded and 10 cases are at appeal stage,” Mr Moono said.