Forestry Advocacy for Communities Communication Transparency Accountability and Research((ACTAR) Advocate General, Chaliafya Katungula has applauded the acquittal of accused Mukula exporters by the Lusaka Magistrate Court.
The accused include former Industrial Development Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Mateyo Kaluba and six others who were acquitted of charges related to the alleged illegal export of Mukula logs.
In a statement to RCV News today, Mr. Katungula said the outcome is a testament to the rule of law, where justice has been served based on the evidence presented.
“These crimes, often involving white-collar elements and associated with money laundering, have become alarmingly common, threatening the integrity of our natural resources and ecosystems,” said Mr. Katungula.
Mr. Katungula said it is imperative to highlight the increasing prevalence of forestry crimes, not only in Zambia but also across the region and globally.
He has since called on the government to consider the establishment of a fast-track court specifically dedicated to natural resources, environmental, and forest crimes as this will serve as both a deterrent and a swift mechanism for resolving cases of this nature, ensuring that justice is meted out promptly and effectively.
He has urged government to mandate that all stakeholders in the timber value chain engage professional, registered foresters as a way of restoring order and credibility within the forestry sector and further urged all Zambians and stakeholders involved in the forestry value chain to adhere to the Forestry Act.
By Margaret Mwanza
