Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Chief Editor
Published on 2024-03-03 03:34:01
Police in Lusaka recently made a significant discovery when they uncovered a scam involving the production and sale of counterfeit mealie meal in the Kamwala South area. Acting on a tip-off from concerned members of the public, officers conducted a raid on a house near Kamwala South Market around 09:30 hours on a Saturday morning. What they found was a sophisticated operation where individuals were repackaging maize bran into labeled 25 Kg mealie meal bags, passing it off as genuine product under the name “Good Milling.”
During the raid, a total of 650 bags of fake 25 Kg mealie meal were seized by the police. Two individuals were apprehended at the scene under suspicion of being involved in the scam. These individuals claimed to be buyers, while the actual owners of the house managed to escape before the police arrived. A manhunt has since been launched to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Initial investigations revealed that the two arrested suspects had paid K105,000 for the counterfeit bags of mealie meal, which were intended for distribution to Sinazongwe District in Southern Province. Inside the raided house, bags of maize bran were also found, providing further evidence of the fraudulent activity that was taking place.
The detained suspects are currently in police custody as investigations into the elaborate scam continue. Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Danny Mwale, confirmed that efforts are being intensified to uncover the full extent of the operation and ensure that all those involved face justice.
Authorities are calling on members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police. Ensuring the safety and integrity of food products in the market is crucial, and community involvement is key in combating such fraudulent schemes.
In light of this incident, it is evident that there are individuals who are willing to engage in illegal activities for financial gain, even at the expense of public health and trust. The production and sale of counterfeit food products pose significant risks to consumers, as they may not meet the necessary safety and quality standards.
It is reassuring to see that the police are taking swift action to address this issue and protect the public. By working together with law enforcement and staying alert to signs of fraudulent activity, we can help safeguard the integrity of the food supply chain and prevent harmful counterfeit products from reaching the market.
In conclusion, the uncovering of this counterfeit mealie meal scam serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant and reporting any suspicious activities to the authorities. It also highlights the dedication of law enforcement in tackling such criminal activities and ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.
Read the original article on Lusaka Times
