ILLEGAL FUEL NETWORK UNEARTHED IN NAKONDE AS THREE MANYANYA OILS OFFICIALS GET ARRESTED
Authorities have uncovered what they have described as a major illegal fuel operation involving a foreign-owned oil marketing company operating at Nakonde border in Muchinga Province of Zambia.
In a joint press statement posted on the official Facebook page of the Drug Enforcement Commission monitored by Chete FM, the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) confirmed that three senior officials from Manyanya Oils Limited have been arrested following an intelligence-led operation targeting fuel smuggling and illegal fuel vending.
According to the statement, the operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force led by the Drug Enforcement Commission aimed at protecting Zambia’s petroleum sector from unlawful practices that threaten public safety, government revenue and fair business competition.
Manyanya Oils Limited is a foreign investment company originally from Tanzania which has established fuel operations in Nakonde District and recently expanded its presence with filling stations in neighbouring Isoka District.
Authorities say investigations suggest the alleged offences were not isolated incidents but formed part of a coordinated scheme conducted through company operations.
Those arrested include the company’s Director and main shareholder Charles Sinkamba, Site Supervisor Martha Nakamba and Board Member Carter Ngosa, all of whom are expected to appear in court as investigations continue.
Investigators say the arrests followed the interception of a fuel tanker that was found offloading petroleum products at the company’s facility in Nakonde under suspicious circumstances.
Officers reportedly discovered that the tanker was operating using different registration numbers, while an original foreign registration plate was allegedly concealed inside the vehicle’s cabin, suggesting an attempt to disguise the truck’s true identity and origin.
Further investigations revealed that approximately 16,000 litres of fuel had already been discharged into underground storage tanks at the facility, while another 11,000 litres remained in the tanker at the time of interception.
Part of the fuel was found to be excessively marked while another portion was completely unmarked.
Under Zambian law, all petroleum products must contain a government-approved chemical marker before being transported or sold.
The marking system allows regulators to track fuel movement, prevent smuggling and ensure that taxes and safety standards are respected.
Fuel described as unmarked means it does not carry this official identifier, raising suspicion that it may have entered the country illegally or bypassed regulatory controls.
Over-marked fuel may also indicate tampering intended to conceal the true source of the product.
Officials say the suspects have since been charged with several offences relating to illegal handling of petroleum products, failure to properly declare goods to customs authorities and the use of false vehicle registration details.
Authorities believe such activities are commonly used to avoid regulatory monitoring and evade lawful procedures governing fuel distribution.
Regulators have warned that illegal fuel trading undermines legitimate businesses, deprives government of revenue and poses serious risks to motorists and communities, as fuel that does not meet approved standards can damage vehicles and create safety hazards.
The task force has reiterated that companies operating in the petroleum sector remain fully responsible for all activities conducted under their licences and assets.
Authorities have further warned that any entity found engaging in illegal fuel activities will face strict legal consequences, adding that investigations remain ongoing and more individuals linked to the suspected network may be pursued.
Members of the public and industry players have meanwhile been urged to comply with petroleum regulations and report any suspicious fuel-related activities to relevant authorities.
CHETE FM