Four vet officers arrested in itezhi tezhi
By Staff Reporter
Four officers from the livestock department have been suspended in connection with the illegal movement of cattle in Itezhi Tezhi district.
Central Province Permanent Secretary Bernard Chomba has said that his office has also recommended the suspension of traffic officers for clearing the vehicles involved.
He said that it was sad that some officers were working against government programme to eradicate animal diseases.
Chomba said that investigations were underway and those found wanting would face the law.
He told ZNBC news in Mumbwa that there was need for civil servants to prevent the illegal movement of livestock in order to fight animal diseases.
Meanwhile, a combined team of veterinary officers and Zambia Police impounded three trucks in Mumbwa district – Central province carrying about 100 cattle without authentic documentation.
The cattle are worth about 500,000 Kwacha
Speaking to ZANIS in Mumbwa, Fisheries and Livestock Permanent Secretary David Shamulenge confirmed that one truck containing 74 cattle moving from Itezhi Tezhi district to Mumbwa was impounded by police at Nalusanga check point.
Dr. Shamulenge revealed that the other two trucks had six and nine cattle originating from Nalubanda and Nambwa areas.
The cattle are suspected to have been sourced from Namwala district and were suspected to be infected with Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
Dr. Shamulenge disclosed that government had spent over K30 million on the fight against FMD.
He appealed to Livestock cooperative associations and other stakeholders to partner with government in sensitizing livestock farmers on the dangers of illegal stock movement.
And Central Province Permanent secretary Benard Chomba confirmed the arrest of four officers including a driver from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock to assist with investigations over the matter.
Chomba cautioned Fisheries and Livestock officers in the province to desist from such illegal activities as it would cost their jobs.