The eleven individuals, including Egyptian nationals and Zambians, have been arrested and charged with espionage under Zambia’s State Security Act. This development follows their alleged involvement in a Gold Scam investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC). The suspects were presented before the Lusaka Magistrate Court for an explanation of the charges, marking a significant moment in this unfolding case.

Among the arrested, a notable figure emerged: Robson Moonga, the Commanding Officer of the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) Police. Moonga, alongside five Zambian nationals—Shadreck Kasanda, Jim Belemu, Patrick Kawanu (a pilot), Oswald Diangamo, and Francis Mateyo—found themselves facing these grave accusations. Additionally, five Egyptian nationals, including one Michael Botros, are part of the group facing these charges.

The charges brought against these individuals stem from their activities on August 13th, 2023, when they allegedly entered the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport with intentions deemed detrimental to the safety and interests of Zambia.

During the DEC’s operation, a considerable amount of evidence was seized from an aircraft at the airport. This evidence included a staggering 602 pieces of suspected fake gold, collectively weighing 127.2 kilograms. In addition to the gold, authorities reportedly discovered weapons on board, raising further concerns. The aircraft was also said to be stashed with a substantial sum of five million dollars in cash.

Despite the magnitude of the charges and the compelling evidence collected by the DEC, the suspects did not enter a plea during their appearance at the Lusaka Magistrate Court. This is because the case falls beyond the jurisdiction of the Subordinate Court, which means that it will be referred to the High Court for trial.

The Centre for Policy Dialogue has highlighted that the police have a clear mandate to exercise caution in permitting political rallies, especially when security concerns arise. The organization’s Executive Director, Caroline Katotobwe, has called for a harmonious relationship between political players and law enforcement agencies to determine suitable times and locations for rallies, ensuring they unfold peacefully.

Speaking in an interview with ZNBC News in Lusaka, Ms. Katotobwe emphasized that political rallies are an essential component of democratic practices and the exercise of freedom of assembly and association. While recognizing the significance of political gatherings, she underscored the importance of respecting security considerations in the interest of public safety.

Over the past week, tensions have escalated between the Zambia Police and the opposition Patriotic Front party concerning the party’s intention to hold a political rally in the Zingalume area of Lusaka. This standoff has drawn attention to the delicate balance between political expression and maintaining law and order.

Ms. Katotobwe also called for peaceful coexistence among political parties in the country as a vital means of reducing political violence. She stressed that political violence is fundamentally incompatible with the principles of democracy and urged all stakeholders to prioritize peaceful engagement in the political arena.

Furthermore, Ms. Katotobwe highlighted the necessity of intensifying civic education as a crucial measure to combat political violence. By enhancing civic awareness and understanding, citizens can make informed decisions, contribute to peaceful dialogue, and minimize the risk of violence in the political landscape.

President Hakainde Hichilema has called on members of the United Party for National Development (UPND) to go out in various communities of Western Province to explain what the party in government has done in its first two years of being in power.

 And Mr Hichilema has advised all the UPND members to visit every home in various communities of the province to ensure that even old people are registered and be put on the social cash transfer.

President Hichilema said this during the national launch of celebrations of the UPND’s 24 months in power held at Mongu stadium today.

 “We are in a hurry to bring meaningful development to Western Province and the entire country,” Mr Hichilema said.

 The President has meanwhile thanked the people of Western Province for massively voting the party two years ago. 

“We struggled for a long time to form a government but you the people of this region, you have made us win and we are your servants,” he said.

 The President also instructed all retirees who have not yet been paid their terminal benefits should be identified.

 “I request every member in the ten days of the UPND activism to ensure that those retirees who have not yet received their benefits write their names and submit the names to the Permanent Secretary so that we pay them. We are here to better the lives of our people, ensure that you move with pieces of papers to write the names of everyone so that they receive help from this government,” he said.

 Mr Hichilema said party members should show compassion to the underprivileged people in the province.

He said children who are not going to school should return to class because there is now free education.

 “My colleagues, let us take note of every school, clinics among other projects that do not have water so that we drill boreholes. We have enough money through the increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF). We are on the rightful trajectory of reconstructing this country,” he said.

 Mr Hichilema further said in the ten days of UPND activism, all party structures should start checking on all the CDF projects in order to ensure that there is progress. 

“Don’t allow people to misuse CDF monies because this is your money meant to enhance infrastructure development in your areas,” he said.

 He disclosed that the focus of the government is to ensure that the Lukulu-Katunda- Mumbeji, Sesheke-Livingstone, Kaoma-Kasempa and Mongu-Lusaka roads are worked on in order to ease the movement of people and goods in the province.

 “As we commemorate our two years of being in power, we should have a focus on improving the living standards of our people in the country,” Mr Hichilema said.

 The President said his government attaches great concerns to many challenges that are affecting the people in the province.

 He said these challenges will soon be brought to order so that the people in the region appreciate their efforts of voting for the UPND into office.

 “You have given us a five-year mandate of ruling this country and in the five years, we have already done two years and everyone is a witness to what we are doing,” he said. 

“We have increased the CDF from K1.6 million to K28.3 million. We want to ensure that in the next budget, we increase the CDF so that we improve the living standards of our people in this country,” Mr Hichilema said.

 The Head of State has meanwhile implored youths and women to form cooperatives in order for them to have access to the CDF in the province.  

 And Western Province Minister, Kapelwa Mbangweta said the region has witnessed a lot of development such as the construction of Luanginga bridge that is connecting Kalabo town to Liuwa constituency to the south-west tourism corridor.

 “As I am speaking now, the Kafue hook bridge that connects Western province from Central province is completed, government has opened a renal unit at Lewanika General hospital that is serving many lives of people in the province. Mongu-Limulunga road is also completed,” Mr Mbangweta said.

 He said the province has recorded massive development in the last 24 months, adding that more major infrastructure development projects are under way.

 And UPND Secretary General, Batuke Imenda has called on the UPND leadership to embark on strategies of growing the party in the province. 

“We need more members to join our party, that way, we will increase the party membership,” Mr Imenda said.

 President Hichilema was accompanied by UPND Secretary General, Batuke Imenda, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Minister, Charles Milupi, Water Development and Sanitation Minister, Mike Mposha and Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Doreen Mwamba among other notable dignitaries.