THE SUN REPORTER writes
@SunZambian
TWO agro dealers have been arrested for allegedly stealing bags of fertilizer worth K 2, 221, 884 and distributing it to farmers under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP).
According to a statement from the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), the two were arrested for theft and money laundering involving over K 2 million, contrary to the laws of Zambia.
Commission Public Relations Officer Theresa Katongo has identified the two as George Siame, 45, a businessman of Katozi Village in Nakonde and Ruth Ngoma, 42, also a business woman of the same village.
Particulars of the offence are that on dates unknown but between 11th January and 8th November, 2018, jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown, the duo, being directors of Goshen Farms and Agro dealers, stole bags of fertiliser worth K 2, 221, 884 from a known fertiliser company.
The duo further distributed the said fertiliser to various farmers using the e-voucher Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) and laundered funds realised from the scheme by transferring funds to other accounts as well as making cash withdrawals to purchase various properties. Both suspects are on police bond and will appear in court soon.
“The Commission wishes to caution small-scale farmers to be weary of unscrupulous individuals or businesses and always report any suspicious transactions in order to avoid falling prey to such illegalities,” she stated.