The assertion by the opposition Patriotic Front that the forfeiture of properties that has taken place under the UPND administration will be revisited and reversed if a new government takes office is disheartening.
Disheartening because not only were the words uttered by Lukashya MP George Chisanga, a lawyer — who should know how his members have failed to show beyond any reasonable doubt that their properties are not tainted — but it shows why the PF wants to come back to power.
Be it Francis Muchemwa, Tasila Lungu, Stardy Mwale, Bowman Lusambo, Stephen Kampyongo’s wife, Wanziya, and many others, once you are arraigned before court, all you need to prove is that your new found wealth is supported by your legitimate revenue.
As long as you can prove that, the court won’t bother but if you don’t, as has been the case in all the convictions, then there is every reason to forfeit those properties because then they are proceeds of crime.
Let’s take Tasila as an example, what wealth did she have before her father became president and where did all that she owns today miraculously come from – isn’t she now a millionaire?
Why didn’t Tasila Lungu own the 614.8 hectares ‘Kumawa Ranch’ in Sinda District of Eastern Province before the father became president?
How about Bowman Lusambo, who was a sales agent at Cash Crusaders, sold carpets on credit as an agent for some foreign nationals and later on started selling speakers and music equipment at Town Centre. Where did his wealth suddenly come from?
Then add Francis Muchemwa aka Commander Two. How did he acquire the millions worth of properties by simply working at Inter City Bus Terminus?
Most of these people that became instant millionaires during the PF’s reign neither have any traceable professional background nor business acumen yet they became rich!
That is what Mr. George Chisanga should be concerning himself with —ill acquired wealth that left hospitals with no drugs, farmers with inadequate farming inputs and condemned people to death.
Instead of reversing the gains made by the anti-corruption crusade, Chisanga should be promising Zambians that more of such should be pursued by the next government and not reversing what has been achieved.
Granted, the fight against corruption seems to be targeted at the opposition. Ordinarily, you want everyone investigated with the same vigor as those serving in government.
That is why those stealing today in this government should be warned that their actions will one day catch up with them too.
The same bells that are tolling for the PF today, will surely do the same for the UPND untouchables someday.
That is what Chisanga’s message should be and not what he uttered.
