Mangoma appears before Parly committee on contempt charges

Energy and Power Development Minister Elton Mangoma has appeared before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Peace and Security facing charges of contempt of parliament.

After allegedly snubbing the committee on four occasions, Mangoma finally appeared before the parliamentary committee.

The initial hearing degenerated into a heated debate as Mangoma argued that he had never received any summons before accusing the committee chaired by Senator Damian Mumvuri of having ulterior motives.

The Portfolio Committee's Chairperson, Damian Mumvuri had to whip Mangoma into line telling him to respect the committee or risk aggravating his matter.

The committee then resolved that the Minister should give his oral evidence on Wednesday next week, after they will have conducted an investigation into the matter.

Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Peace and Security accused the Minister and his Personal Assistant of tempering with the law stating that there is evidence that summons were given to the Minister's office on four occasions.

The committee wanted Mangoma to answer to allegations that he is sabotaging the nation by conniving with ZESA officials to deny the agriculture sector electricity.

He is also expected to explain the issue of Chisumbanje Ethanol Project which has stopped operations.