…“Escort Driver says the Youths have grabbed $22,000 for his trucks logistics”
Patriotic Front Youths on Friday night mobilized themselves and intercepted eleven (11)trucks carrying Mukula logs for export.
The Youths found at the scene in Chilanga accused State House Special Assistant for Politics, Kaizer Zulu as being behind what they termed “illegal export of Mukula trees.”
The Youths in a convoy of cars mounted their own roadblock at Shimabala toll plaza and confiscated keys for some of the vehicles.
The stand-off continued for hours and one of the escort Driver reported to Chilanga Police that the Youths stole from him $22.000.00 for fuel for the trucks.
They later forced the trucks to be parked at Chilanga Police Station.
Although the trucks were escorted by officers from Zambia National Service(ZNS) and what was believed to be a State house vehicle, the OF Youths confiscated the keys and threatened to burn the trucks.
The export is allegedly being done under the auspices of ZAFFICO.
Early this year, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Jean Kapata banned the cutting-down and sell off any hardwood in Zambia that included the famous Mukula tree, Zambezi tic, and Rosewood trees.
But she announced that government through the Zambia Forestry and Forest Industries Corporation Limited(ZAFFICO) would auction and sell off seized Mukula.
And ZAMBIA National Association of Sawmillers has expressed concern that the government, through ZAFFICO, is selling Mukula timber at ridiculously low prices and has asked finance minister Felix Mutati to track the money and make the process more transparent.
