By Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba
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GOLD SCANDAL-Officially helping the criminals
…the scandal in the handling of the scandal…
1. On 13th August 2023, a Whistle-Blower lifted the lid on the on-going multi-million dollar crime occuring on the Apron of the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport.
2. The matter was so hot that despite the investigations on-going, we were treated to three major press conferences in a space of two days, one by Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Paul Kabuswe who claimed it was a small matter of iron, tin and alumunium and warned politicians not to alarm the nation.
DEC finally confirmed the major scandal announcing that it had detained 11 people, confiscated $5.7million, including guns and an executive aircraft.
Finally President Hakainde Hichilema came on to allay fears that he could be shielding State House officials allegedly involved in the brewing international scandal.
3. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu also responded to demands of MPs and issued a Ministerial Statement.
He said the following items were found and seized from the aircraft:
(a)
US$5,697,700;
(b)
602 bars of purported gold weighing about 127.28 kg:
(c)
four bars of gold, weighing 1,414.17 g, authenticated by the relevant authorities;
(d)
five pistols and eleven pistol magazines;
(e)
126 rounds of ammunition; and
(f)
one drilling machine
He stated that based on the findings, law enforcement agencies decided to charge five
Egyptians and six Zambians with espionage on the premise that they accessed the air-side, which
is a restricted area, for purposes that were prejudicial to safety and interest of the Republic of
Zambia, contrary to Section 3 (a) of the State Security Act, Cap. 111 of the Laws of Zambia.
He also stated that on the other hand, the four crew members of the Global Express jet were cleared and released from
custody and were allowed to return to their different countries.
He also confirmed that on Friday, 1st September, 2023, the DPP, Gilbert Phiri, entered a nolle prosequi in respect of the five Egyptians and one Zambian national, while the rest were committed to the High Court.
4. They hard tried to hide the crime. It became clear that a cover-up was underway anyway.
Of all the powerful people involved, undue attention was shifted and focus to a Lusaka businessman and goldsmith, Alex Kasanda. The media were carried in tow to search his house and courtrooms making him the centre of the transaction.
5.Soon the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Gilbert Phiri discharged six key figures in the scandal following the Nolle Prosquei. Phiri ordered the relase of the five Egyptians; Walid Botros, Mounir Awad, Mohamed Gooda , Yasser ABDELGHAFOR and Michael Botros.
The Zambian suspect who also walked to freedom is Chartered Accountant and Chairperson of the Bene Mukuni Traditional Ceremony, Mulungu Oswald Diangamo.
6. Shortly after that,the Egyptians were given permission to leave the country.
7. It wasn’t long before the plane and the money followed them.
8. On Friday, 12th April, 2024 we received reports that the plane, which was under legal seizure and forfeiture ptocess was hurriedly being prepared for departure. And during the evening, the plane taxied and took off!
The Bombardier Global Express, BD-T7-700-1A10 (T-WSS) aircract belongs to IBIS Air (PTY) Ltd and World Aviation Sinai Int’l Ltd.
9. Under our laws this was tainted property and that’s why DEC, ZRA and Law Enforcement Agencies routinely seizes not only the contraband but vessels or vehicles involbed in the crimes.
10. The Drug Enforcement Commission and the DPP claim that since there was an application by representatives of IBIS Air and others before the Lusaka High Court under the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crimes Act of 2010, Section 12, where third party can lay claim, the authorities decided to oblige and release the aircraft under a Consent Judgement.
11. Why a Consent Judgement? Why didn’t the DPP defend the seizure and forfeiture in court? Why enter into this Consent Agreement? To whose benefit and interest are we serving if such a high value property, valued in excess of $20million can be released without even the pretence of a court hearing?
12. They said everyone would face the law but they released the Egyptians, they said no assets involved in the crime will be released, but the plane has been released..they say $5.7million has been forfeited to the State….just wait, it’s a matter of time….meanwhile the poor Zambians in the case will be sacrificed…
How about the scandal of 24 million dollars by Milingo Lungu. What s your take on it?
Iwe chi wide mulomo. Why are you not commenting on Milingo Lungu and $24m from KCM
I am equally anxiously waiting for Mr Mwamba to make comments on the $24m issue.
The tendency of always siding and celebrating with criminals is amazing and alarming.
When the public records a win there is anger and hatred expressed. Something is seriously wrong here.
You condemn the stolen $ 24 million?
Zeee…. See the hypocrisy. You dine and wine with thugs means you approve of their live style and probably benefit from these acts.
All this is wrong said birdman to he- man , while Top cat skimmed the greatest theft scheme but was found out.
This is how my latest novel
Reads. Yet again who will read it the guilty will scorn it and the unenlightened will continue being abused and the circle starts all over again.
What do you find wrong with the explanation given by the DG ACC Emmanuel Mwamba? I had doubts too but after reading that explanation, it’s loud and clear
That plane doesn’t belong to the criminals. It’s hired, rented, chartered. The owner wasn’t aware that it will be used for criminal activities, and he proved it beyond reasonable doubt in court
So, what did you want the ACC to do loud mouthed EM? Your expertise in diverting Zambians’ attention from your criminal activities will not work because the sleeping dog is awake
Talk about the $24m you looted as defunct TuPF criminals and many more assets you acquired illegally being exposed daily
Its not completely factual.
1.The Egyptian became state witness. And testified again those in the facts of the matter amd will become apparent when the trial begins. So its not true that they went home. Some are those that have become state witnesses in the case.
2. The money was forfeited to the state. Another inaccuracy by Mwamba to cast aspiration on the facts. The Plan was release and the DPP explained why at law they would have lost the matter on holding on to the plane.
3. Diangamo and his release. The facts are not clear and would be speculating but so is Mwamba by his insinuations.
In all Mwamba writes articles here before those in authority and have the facts have a chance to give us the facts so he can control the narative. A clear case of a demagog. One whose sole aim is to misinform.
Critical and rational thinking is required when seeking the truth and facts. As they say the “devil is in the details”. Mwamba tells lies in the details he suggests and need to stop allowing him to mislead us.
As Mate suggests above, why is he not speaking up about Milingo? Not just a Demagog but hypocrite for what ka saka ka ndalama? Selectively picking what he wants the narative to be.
We should have all the facts and allowed to examine all truths not just what Mwamba and PF want us to hear while they run off with the “cake”….
In Psychology its called deflection. Causing us to shift our eyes from the ball, while they steal. Simple acts of trying to deceive. Hokusu pokus…
Mwamba its not working. Ba PF and Mundubile keep trying but we can see through you and your antiques…..Zambians are not so gullible