RPA discovers radioactive material hidden in mealie-meal shipment

A SHIPMENT of radioactive material masquerading as mealie meal was recently stopped in its tracks by Zambia’s Radiation Protection Authority (RPA) officers in Livingstone.

The truck, headed from South Africa to the Democratic Republic of Congo, was carrying a concealed radioactive gauge without proper authorisation..

RPA senior public relations officer Loveness Milimo stated that the truck concealed radioactive material Cesium-137 gauge.

She disclosed that the driver of the vehicle, Regeinoid Chinsubya aged 37 was apprehended and handed over to the police for questioning.

However, Chinsubya has been released on Police Bond and the Radioactive material is in the custody of RPA for further investigations.

RPA highlighted their commitment to safeguarding the public and environment from ionizing radiation through vigilant monitoring.

“As RPA we wish to advise the public to follow the relevant authorisation procedures to import, export or transport the radioactive materials or nuclear materials in the country in line with the Ionising Radiation Protection Act No. 16 of 2005.”

By Catherine Pule

Kalemba, May 21, 2024