Nation CorrespondentPosted Thursday, November 25 2010 at 21:07

http://www.nation.co.ke/News/africa/Zambia%20probes%20opposition%20chief%20on%20graft%20%20/-/1066/1060842/-/p5ctxd/-/

Zambia’s drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) on Thursday summoned and recorded a statement from main opposition leader Michael Sata on money laundering allegations, which he denies.

Police threw teargas at Mr Sata and his supporters.

“The statement was recorded from Mr Sata as part of the ongoing investigation involving a US $100,000 transaction,” said Mr John Nyawali, spokesperson of the DEC, in a press release.

Mr Nyawali added: “This follows an official report submitted to DEC by members of the public suspecting money laundering activities in the US$ 100,000 transaction which occurred at Finance Bank.”

Mr Edward Mumbi alleged earlier this month that the opposition leader had dubiously transacted US$ 100,000 (KSh8m) through Finance Bank to purchase cars for a Catholic priest championing anti-government campaigns.

Mr Mumbi is a former secretary general of Mr Sata’s Patriotic Front (PF) party and is now allied to the ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD).

Mr Sata dismissed the claims and Father Frank Bwalya, heading Change Life Zambia – a group demanding the removal of President Rupiah Banda from office – also denied receiving vehicles from the opposition leader.

Angry supporters of Mr Sata, 73, besieged the DEC offices and stoned the premises, damaging the wall fence when their leader appeared before investigators, said the DEC spokesperson.

Mr Nyawali said police had to use teargas to disperse Mr Sata’s supporters.

“We strongly condemn the PF supporters that became riotous and caused some damages to our building. We had summoned Mr Sata and there was no need for the cadres to come here,” said Mr Nyawali.

“It’s not that the police fired teargas at Mr Sata but his supporters, we had to contain them because they had become riotous.”