A team of investigators is conducting an inquiry into a leaked audio involving the Head of State, North Western Province Minister Robert Lihefu, and Food Reserve Agency Board Chairperson Kelvin Hambwezya. President Hakainde Hichilema is reportedly furious and wants to identify who leaked the audio in which he discussed how FRA could address the shortage of maize in North Western Province.
Alleged Leaked audio between Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, Province Minister Robert Lihefu, and Food Reserve Agency Board Chairperson Kelvin
Sources close to the investigation reported that phones belonging to both Lihefu and Hambwezya were retrieved for analysis and verbal statements were taken as part of the inquiry. After analysing the conversation, Hambwezya was reportedly ruled out, as he was just added to the call by the President. However, Lihefu admitted that his phone was on auto record, and he claims that he forgot his phone at a shop in Kaoma while on a trip. His phone was retrieved a day later.
According to sources, an analysis report by information technology experts indicated that Lihefu’s phone was not in Kaoma at the time. The team has concluded in their initial report that the Minister may have shared the conversation with the miller as proof that he had convinced the Head of State to allow him to get Maize.
In related news, a commenter using the name ‘IndigoTyrol’ expressed his opinions on the matter. The user noted that the President’s main concern should be whether the supplier is in receivership and criticised the President for ignoring the issue of vested interests in maize smuggling. The commenter also questioned why the President is keeping and protecting incompetent people like Hambwezya and praised Lihefu for being proactive. Meanwhile, investigations into the matter are ongoing.
