Zambia was expected to experience a huge shortage of maize, the country's staple food, the Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) said on Thursday. "A maize shortage is expected this year. ZNFU estimates a shortfall of 120,000 to 150,000 mt," Songowayo Zyambo, ZNFU executive director, was quoted saying in an AFP report.

Excessive discretionary powers have contributed to the rise of corruption in Zambia, observed Auditor General Fred Siame yesterday.

People can lose faith in democracy and all institutions charged with good governance if corruption is rife, Human Rights Commission (HRC) member Justice Hamanzi has warned. Speaking during the launch of Transparency International (TI) Zambia on Friday, Justice Hamanzi said poor law enforcement could lead to civil wars in certain extreme situations.

Post editor Fred M'membe yesterday refused to "co-operate" with the police in their "probe" of Edith Nawakwi's charges that "Chiluba is a thief". Two plain clothes police officers from Woodlands police station yesterday visited The Post offices to ask M'membe, deputy news editor Amos Malupenga and reporter Bivan Saluseki to report to the police station. "I have come to a point where I feel I have had enough of police harassment and abuse," M'membe said.

Closing Date: 15 Aug 2001