Zambia police arrest ex-minister over buried cash

LUSAKA,  (Reuters) – Zambian police charged a  former labour minister with receiving stolen property after 2.1  billion kwacha ($414,000) was found buried at his farm, in the  first high-profile case in a graft crackdown under new President  Michael Sata.

A police spokeswoman said Austin Liato was charged after the  discovery last week of two buried trunks filled with money under  a thick layer of concrete on his farm.
“We have formally charged him with receiving stolen  property. He is in our custody and will appear in court  tomorrow,” police spokeswoman Elizabeth Kanjela said.

Since his election in September, former opposition leader  Sata — in line with his zealous anti-corruption pledges — has  opened investigations into several deals approved by the  government of his predecessor Rupiah Banda.