Police in Eastern Province have arrested Chipangali District Agricultural Coordinating Officer Fredrick Mwansa together with six others for for allegedly stealing fertiliSer meant for the Farmer Input Support Program.

Eastern Province Acting Police Commanding Officer Davis Simwanza confirmed the the incident to journalists in Chipata, Sunday.

Simwanza said the DACO, together with six others, were found in possession of 24 by 50 kilogram bags of fertiliser and cash amounting to over K41,000 which is suspected to be proceeds of crime.

Simwanza revealed that Chipangali District Commissioner Paul Sakala reported on behalf of the state that an Agricultural Camp Officer for Sisinje Ward Twambo Moonga stole 139 by 50 kilogram bags of fertiliser meant for the farmers in Sisinje Ward of Chipangali district.

“Male Paul Sakala, the District Commissioner for Chipangali district reported on behalf of the state that male Twambo Moonga an Agricultural Camp Officer for Sisinje Ward of Chipangali district stole 139 by 50kg bags of FISP fertilizer meant for Sisinje Ward farmers in Chipangali district,” Simwanza said.

He said police launched investigations and arrested Moonga and the DACO for Chipangali district.

Simwanza said police investigations led to the recovery of 24 bags of fertiliser for both Urea and D-Compound and cash amounting to K41,550 which was believed to be proceeds of crime.

“And the same led to the recovery of 24 by 50kg bags of FISP fertiliser, 7 bags of Urea and 17 bags of D-Compound, also cash money amounting to K41,550.00 as proceeds of crime,” said Simwanza.

He named others arrested as Ackim Tembo, Charles Zulu, Wellington Phiri, Zondwayo Zulu and Yotam Nyirongo.

Simwanza said that the value of the stolen fertiliser was yet to be established and that investigations into the matter were still under way.