ZNS Confronts Illegal Sale of Eagles Mealie Meal with Task Force
The Zambia National Service (ZNS) has launched a task force to tackle the illegal sale of Eagles mealie meal at inflated prices, following reports of unscrupulous traders exploiting desperate customers.
The task force, led by Deputy Provost Marshal Lieutenant Colonel Precious Mfula, was established after joint investigations with Zambia Police revealed a growing black market for subsidized mealie meal.
Reports indicate that some traders have been charging up to K270 for a 25kg bag of roller meal and K360 for breakfast mealie meal, well above the official price caps of K180 and K230. This practice undermines the ZNS’ subsidy program, which aims to make staple foods affordable for all Zambians.
During a recent survey at Lusaka’s Soweto Market and in Chilenje, the task force uncovered alarming evidence of price gouging, with some traders bulk-buying subsidized mealie meal from certified vendors and reselling it at excessive prices.
Lt Col Mfula emphasized the ZNS Command’s commitment to tackling such malpractice, warning that offenders will face the full legal consequences. “We will confiscate illegally sold mealie meal and hand over perpetrators to the police for further action,” he stated.
He also assured the public that the task force would conduct random checks across the country to ensure compliance with official pricing.
In addition, Lt Col Mfula reminded ZNS agents that they are limited to selling no more than two bags of mealie meal per customer to prevent exploitation. Any agent caught violating this rule will have their trading permits revoked.
The ZNS urges citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to the illegal sale of subsidized mealie meal.
