In a significant development in the fight against corruption, a helicopter suspected to be linked to proceeds of crime has been retrieved from Zimbabwe, while another helicopter in South Africa is awaiting repatriation to Zambia. The helicopter, flown by Zambian Air Force (ZAF) pilots, landed at the Lusaka Zambia Air Force Base on the afternoon of the retrieval.
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Gilbert Phiri, and the Director General of the Drug Enforcement Commission, Nason Banda, were present to witness the arrival of the asset. Phiri emphasized that the retrieval of the helicopter, which will serve as part of the evidence, is a significant boost to the ongoing fight against corruption in the country. He further stated that law enforcement agencies are committed to recovering assets suspected to be proceeds of crime that may be hidden abroad.
According to Director General Nason Banda, another helicopter believed to be proceeds of crime is located in South Africa and is scheduled to be flown back to Zambia. Government officials are awaiting the final order from a South African court to repatriate the helicopter, a Bell 430 model purchased for $1.4 million. Phiri described this helicopter as larger and more luxurious compared to the one retrieved from Zimbabwe.
The National Prosecution Authority and the Drug Enforcement Commission initiated a non-conviction based forfeiture process to repatriate the suspected proceeds of crime from South Africa.
During an update on the achievements of the Inter-Agency Collaboration Framework in the fight against economic and financial crimes, Director of Public Prosecutions Gilbert Phiri highlighted the threat that economic crimes and illicit financial flows pose to economic growth and public security. The Justice Minister, Mulambo Haimbe, emphasized the importance of tackling corruption and illicit financial activities to ensure a strong and secure economy.
At the same event, Itumeleng Mongale, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes National Project Officer for Anti-Corruption, announced that an expert will be appointed next month to be based in Zambia. This appointment aims to enhance the effective implementation of partnerships in the fight against corruption.
Why can’t you just say its Joseph “Bonanza” Milanje’s helicopter? This is one very dull arrogant PF offical, he not only bought one helicopter but two whilst he was a minister …really laughable talk about attracting the wrong type of attention. He reminded of those bank robbers in the 80s who would steal a lot of money and have no idea what to do with it except partying and buying saugages and T-bones for everyone in the bar in the shanty compound.
How long is a helicopter flight from Johannesburg to Lusaka?
The average cruising speed of a helicopter is about 300 km/h so do the calculations
With 2-3 stop overs.
@Tarino Orange. They can’t mention his name because they have jack sh!t on him…useless id!0t$
They have two helicopters…all he has to do is show them where he got the money from?
Fuseke you jealous envious thugs in upnd. You worship hh and would rather only he is rich than even yourselves. To hell
The reason the UPND government is setting these unwelcome precedents of forfeitures without trial is that they expect that to be applied on them as well. The well known procedure is that suspects get tried, convicted, sentenced and then assets seized and forfeited to the State. This is what we all support. This is what we think will deter would be offenders. I honestly don’t know where these are taking us.
That’s the due process we know. The State has to prove your guilt beyond reasonable doubt. You don’t have to prove your innocence.
However, the current dispensation appears to be that you, the suspect, must prove that you are innocent beyond reasonable doubt.
Surely those provisions of that law which allows this injustice are unconstitutional?
This forfeiture law is a travesty. The state assumes you are guilty and they take your property. The burden of proof then shifts to the accused to prove they legally obtained the property.
Laziness by state, they fail to investigate and establish a case.
@Chiza Chirwa, It’s more than laziness. It’s unconstitutional.
So owning an helicopter is a crime in Zambia. These helicopter owned by bonanza have been to court before and were set free by the courts. Bonanza just like Kalaba and Chitalu have been rich even before HH stole privatization money. These ride on family money that the courts will prove and then the government will have to compensate them for the losses. Up to now they have failed to compensate Chitalu Chilufya. They are also failing to explain Faith Musonda’s money.
Kci – These people were not rich to the point where their companies were getting all GRZ contracts…Chillufya has a company registered in every sector…these are people who expanded rapidly whilst in govt. They went to court knowing full well the outcome as they knew ACC would deliberately mess up…I am not surprised you mentioned this because you supported these thieves.
And no its not a crime to own a luxury helicopter..you just have to prove your source of income
The problem is the DPP is a UPND sympathiser and is talking all the things to impress his paymaster
My comment was blocked by an overzealous upnd LT editor. So all I have to say on this article is PARRNEEY0 PANU
Cleaning should stàrt from own house first. Reported cases of corruptioñ of high profile people in government are gathering dust.
https://www.google.com/search?q=Bell+430+model+Helicopter&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj92cD6ktn_AhV_gP0HHSSWDHMQ0pQJegQICxAB&biw=1366&bih=657&dpr=1
Please visit the website above, that is the kind of helicopter Malanje bought to fly Jameson Lungu around using your money. These two and their accomplices must be hanged!