Zambia’s Energy Regulation Board (ERB), ), in collaboration with the Task Force on Fuel Smuggling and Illegal Fuel Vending led by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), has uncovered a coordinated illegal fuel operation through a registered Oil Marketing Company (OMC) Manyanya Oils Limited.
The investigation led to the arrest of three individuals connected to the company in Nakonde District.
The arrests followed a targeted, intelligence-driven enforcement operation designed to dismantle illegal activities in the petroleum sector that threaten regulatory compliance, public safety, and national economic interests.
Authorities say the offences were not isolated incidents, but part of a broader scheme conducted through the operations of Manyanya Oils Limited.
In a joint statement issued Thursday, authorities identified the suspects as Charles Sinkamba, 23, who is the director and main shareholder of the company; Martha Nakamba, 28; and Carter Ngosa, 43.
Preliminary findings suggest that these individuals acted in their respective capacities at Manyanya Oils Limited, indicating institutional involvement in the illegal activities under investigation.
They have since been formally charged with multiple offences, including dumping of petroleum products, contrary to Regulation 11(2) of the Energy Regulation (Petroleum Marking and Monitoring) Regulations and possession of over-marked and non-conforming petroleum products, contrary to Regulation 12(1) and (2) of the same regulations.
During the operation, law enforcement officers intercepted a tanker truck with suspicious registration plates, AJD 6372 and AIE 7102.
A subsequent search revealed a suspected original foreign registration plate, T353 DUF, concealed within the cabin, indicating a deliberate attempt to conceal and misrepresent the tanker’s true identity and origin.
Further verification established that AJD 6372 (the tanker horse) is registered in the name of Manyanya Oils Limited, while AIE 7102 (the trailer) is registered to a separate entity, though it was being operated as part of the same unit.
The tanker was intercepted while offloading petroleum products suspected to be unmarked.
Investigations revealed that approximately 16,000 litres had already been discharged into the underground storage tank at Manyanya Oils Limited’s facility and that this quantity was over-marked by 206.1 percent.
The remaining 11,000 litres in the tanker were found to be completely unmarked, clearly indicating deliberate tampering and non-compliance with national petroleum marking standards.
The suspects are currently awaiting court appearances, as the Task Force continues to pursue other individuals believed to be linked to the illegal fuel operation.
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