KATIMA MULILO – Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigators have exonerated Zambezi Regional Governor Lawrence Sampofu of allegations he illegally acquired prime riverside land at Katima Mulilo.
Sampofu’s detractors at the town reported him to the ACC, accusing him of having crookedly acquired a prime piece of commercial property along the Zambezi River.
The allegations, apparently based on hearsay, claimed Sampofu was irregularly given the piece of land for free.
This came shortly after residents claimed some officials in record time gave their relatives and friends land at the expense of residents who had been on the town council’s waiting list for land acquisition for several years.
In an interview on the alleged suspect land acquisition by the governor, Katima Mulilo Mayor Charles Matengu had dismissed the allegations, now proven by the ACC probe to have been mere rumours.
“ACC investigators were here to investigate the matter and they found no fault in us. Sampofu acquired land in a legal way, if it wasn’t like that the ACC could have made an arrest,” said Matengu.
He further said he was misunderstood by the public who are spreading “rumours”, adding they are trying to politicise the matter and make way for themselves to campaign in the upcoming elections, noting that he is aware of those who want to tarnish his name for self-serving political reasons.
Katima Mulilo CEO Charles Nawa Nawa confirmed what the mayor had said, adding that the governor was given land legally though he could not indicate how big the land is.
“How big and the area don’t concern you but the fact is the governor applied like any other individual and his application was approved. They were just rumours and there was no corruption. Why was the governor or me not arrested by the ACC if we are corrupt?” he queried.
He further warned those that are spreading rumours to rather focus on positive things that should help develop and build the region rather than tarnishing the image of the town council.
Though Sampofu confirmed the allegations he declined further information.