Salima, April 8: National Police Public relations officer Rhoda Manjolo has confirmed that nine police officers are in custody at Salima Police after equipment went missing at the Salima Green Belt Initiative (GBI) Sugar Processing Factory, on the nights the officers were providing security to the premises.
Confirming the matter Manjoro said the missing equipment include a 270 kilogram welding machine and 36 IBR iron sheets, which have since been recovered.
“Yes it is true that some officers from Salima Police station are in custody in connection with the missing equipment at the construction site of Green Belt Sugar factory,” said Manjolo.
“According to the information I have, the Iron sheets went missing on the night of 13th-14th March when five of the arrested officers were on duty and on the night of 21-22 March is when the heavy equipment(the 270 kilograms welding machine) went missing when four other suspects were on duty,” said Manjolo.
The officers’ arrest came after investigation that started soon after the contractor discovered the missing welding machine.
According to records made available by the Salima Police PRO Gift Chitowe the suspects Francis Mpando, Sam Banda, Joseph Chilenje, Richard N’gombe, Mr. Kamtchacha and James Mwenye are being questioned in connection with the iron sheets as they were duty officers on that night while Boscol Ntikwa, Mr. Dovu, Blessings Kalonde, Clement Khembo are being questioned in connection with the welding machine.
“As of now, we have recovered the iron sheets from one of the vendors from Salima township who has revealed that he got them from the Sugar factory site and has also mentioned names,” said Manjolo.
Manjolo further said that the Police are still trying to locate the welding machine and half ton pick up truck which is believed to have collected the machine on the night of the theft.
“So far we are done with the case of the iron sheets what we are still pursuing is the case of welding machine, which is still missing” said the PRO.
The PRO could not say whether the suspects on the matter of Iron sheets have been charged saying she has not seen a copy of the statements which the four have given to investigators.
Manjoro further condemned tendency by officers who are indulging in malpractices such as theft when they are entrusted to provide security for property and persons.
“The tendency by some officers to indulge in theft and other malpractices is giving the public security organ a bad image and all officers found on the wrong side should expect to get their reward,” said Manjolo.
Manjoro further appealed to the general public not to hide any information that will help in capturing of thieves and other criminals.
“I would want the general public to be open and provide us with any information which will help us in preventing all kinds of criminal activities from taking place,” said Manjolo.
Salima Police station has been providing security to the Green belt sugar factory site since the construction started some two years ago and the officers rotated on one week intervals and the officers are paid allowances for their service.
The sugar factory is being constructed by an Indian Contractor, the major one being APPOLO.
