LUSAKA, Jan. 3 (Xinhuanet) -- The Zambian government has sent a team of inspectors to investigate alleged raffle to qualify for relief food in Southern province, Zambia Daily Mail reported on Tuesday.

    Bernard Namachila, permanent secretary in the office of vice-president, was quoted as saying that if the distributor is found guilty, its agency to handle the relief food will be revoked.

    He said once investigations are concluded, the government will make the finding public.

    It is wrong for any food distributor to make fun of starving people, he said.

    "We are concerned about villagers in Chief Hanjalika's area in Mazabuka, who are allegedly being subjected to a raffle draw before being given relief food hence our decision to send inspectors," he said.

    He said the government is committed and wanted to reach out to all people in need of relief.

    Namachila warned the food distributors against frustrating the efforts of eradicating hunger.

    The southern African country is hitting by severe food shortage caused by prolonged drought recently. Enditem