By Mast Reporter
THE Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has denied allegations that it received instructions from President Hakainde Hichilema to conduct a search at the residence of former President Edgar Lungu.
The denial came during court proceedings in which DEC spokesperson Allan Tamba, 42, testified before Lusaka chief resident magistrate Davies Chibwili.
The case stems from a video shared on Kanele TV’s Facebook page on September 26, 2024, in which Patriotic Front (PF) faction secretary general Raphael Nakacinda accused President Hichilema of directing law enforcement agencies, including DEC, to raid Dr Lungu’s residence.
Nakacinda’s remarks allegedly called on PF members to gather at the former president’s home in solidarity, a move described as potentially inciting public panic.
In his testimony, Tamba said DEC took immediate interest in the video because of its implications for national security and the commission’s mandate.
“Upon realising that there was no such directive from the presidency, I issued a press statement to dispel Mr Nakacinda’s assertions,” Tamba said.
He said DEC operated independently and had not been instructed by the presidency to conduct any such raid.
Tamba explained that DEC’s response was aimed at maintaining public trust and ensuring accurate information was disseminated.
“The content of the video was incorrect and had the potential to cause unnecessary panic. As an institution mandated to contribute to good governance, it was imperative to clarify the correct position,” he said.
During cross-examination, defence lawyer Nkula Botha questioned Tamba’s competence to speak on intelligence and investigative matters.
Tamba maintained that he was competent to address concluded matters but admitted he was not privy to specific details about ongoing investigations or certain individuals mentioned by the defence.
When asked to rate DEC’s performance on a scale of 1 to 10, Tamba confidently responded, “10.”
Botha further pressed him on whether any DEC officers had left the institution in 2023 because of corruption allegations, to which Tamba replied, “I don’t have that information.”
Botha also queried him on whether he had written to the DEC Director General regarding the matter in court.
“No, I did not,” Tamba admitted.
Botha then challenged Tamba’s competency in intelligence matters, asking, “Are you in charge of intelligence and investigations at DEC?”
“No,” Tamba responded.
“And you would be incompetent to talk about intelligence?” Botha pressed.
“No,” Tamba insisted.
Further questioning revolved around specific investigations and individuals allegedly involved in financial transactions, but Tamba maintained that he was not privy to such details.
“I’m competent to speak to concluded matters,” he stated when asked about his knowledge of ongoing investigations.
