By Mubanga Mubanga
The Joint Task Force on illegal fuel vending has apprehended 17 illegal vendors among them three Angolan nationals.
The task force comprises law enforcement agencies from the Energy Regulation Board (ERB), led by the Zambia Police Service (ZP), the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) and Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), among other law enforcement agencies, who conducted coordinated raids on suspected illegal fuel vending sites in Mongu, Kalabo, and Senanga Districts in the Western Province.
According to a statement signed by the spokespersons of Zambia Police, DEC and ERB, the raids formed part of ongoing operations aimed at combating illegal fuel vending and smuggling activities countrywide.
The Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) stated that during the said raids, a total of 17 suspects including three Angolan nationals were apprehended, with four being under Mongu District, nine under Kalabo district, and four under Senanga District.
They stated that all the arrests were in connection with the offence of illegal vending/possession of fuel amounting to 6,090 litres; pursuant to Section 48, (1), b, c of the Energy Regulation Act, and possession of non-conforming petroleum products, contrary to the provisions of SI 69 of 2017.
They also stated that apart from petroleum products, the taskforce also seized over 400 empty drums and over 200 empty 20 liter containers which were reasonably believed to be tools used in the commission of crime.
The LEAs stated that all the suspects had since been detained in lawful custody; awaiting court proceedings.
They warned the the general public to exercise maximum caution and to desist from engaging in illegal fuel vending activities.
“Citizens are further reminded that petroleum products are highly flammable and if improperly handled, can cause devasting effects on innocent members of the public, including property, vital installations and the environment in general,” they stated.
“Therefore, all dealers are required to adhere to established laws, standards, guidelines and procedures.”
They stated that the Task Force remained committed to ensuring the safe and legal distribution of fuel products across the country.
The LEAs further urged all traders to obtain the required licenses before engaging in fuel-related businesses, as failure to comply with regulations, would result in enforcement actions, including arrests and confiscation of illegally acquired fuel.
The general motoring public are also cautioned to ensure that they only buy fuel from credible licensed filling stations.
“All citizens are hereby encouraged to continue reporting suspicious illegal fuel trading activities to the Zambia Police Service, the Drug Enforcement Commission, the Energy Regulation Board or other Law Enforcement Agencies so that by acting together, we can prevent, detect and combat crime,” stated LEAs.
