The PN today called on the government to appoint an independent inquiry into how the son of former Acting Police Commissioner Ray Zammit was one of the prosecutors in the murder case of a man who was the son-in-law of Joe Gaffarena, after it was revealed that Ray Zammit and his two police inspector sons had business connections with the Gaffarena family.

Speaking at a press conference today, PN Deputy Leader Beppe Fenech Adami and Justice Shadow Minister Jason Azzopardi said the Ray Zammit should be suspended from any public duties. Mr Zammit is currently the head of the new agency in charge of the wardens system.

Dr Fenech Adami and Dr Azzopardi noted that the scandal – which they say has rocked the foundations of the police force and the justice system – was revealed four days ago by blogger and columnist Daphne Caruana Galizia but the government has remained silent on the issue. Prime Minster Joseph Muscat has to take action now, they insisted.

They also noted that Marco Gaffarena, the businessman at the centre of the Old Mint Street controversy, who was given a ‘temporary’ permit for his illegal Qormi petrol station, has business connections with Ray Zammit’s other son, Inspector Roderick Zammit.

They said the Public Service Management Code says that, unless permitted in writing by the Home Affairs Ministry Permanent Secretary, police officers cannot have any form of business or employment outside their official duties.

The PN MPs also cast doubts about the murder case of Neville Baldacchino, noting that the case was heard behind closed doors at the request of the prosecution, part-led by Inspector Daniel Zammit. They also asked why only 25 people were arraigned on the smart meter tampering scandal, which was also being investigated by Mr Zammit. Asked whether it should be former PN Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela who should carry political responsibility for the 2008 investigation, Dr Fenech Adami insisted that the case only came to light now and all the PN was doing was asking for a proper inquiry into the matter.

The former inspector, 35, ended up in the centre of a new controversy after it was revealed how he was medically boarded out of the force in a record four days and was given an equally expedited €60,000 job as a consultant at Enemalta. His job has since been terminated by Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi. 

 

OPM 'seeking advice'

In reaction the Office of the Prime Minister said it has been seeking advice, including from the Attorney General, on how best to treat and investigate the case of the former police officer who was part of the prosecution team in the murder case. “The decision on the method that will be employed will be communicated as soon as it is taken.”

The government also noted that the case had happened under the watch of the previous administration – both the murder inquiry and the setting up of the company the inspector was involved in. 

 

'People involved close to the PL' - PN

In a counter-reply, the PN said the Gaffarena-Zammit scandal involves four people who are close to the PL:

•  - Joe Gaffarena, who was granted a permit for his petrol station in Qormi by the Labour government,
•  - his son Marco Gaffarena, who was made a millionaire overnight,
•  - Ray Zammit, who was given three roles in the forces,
•  - and Daniel Zammit, who was boarded out in four days and given a €60,000 job with Enemalta.

“A serious Prime Minister who would not want to keep this enormous scandal hidden would have immediately told the public what he is doing, now that four days have passed since it was revealed.

 

PL statement 

The Labour Party said Simon Busuttil’s PN was asking for an investigation into something that had happened under its watch. That is what is going to happen. “Simon Busuttil should put his mind at rest knowing that this government is committed to take action not only in this case but in several others as well.”