from ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia Bureau
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) – ZAMBIA’S Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) said the recent convictions of former Foreign Affairs Minister, Joseph Malanji, and ex-Secretary to the Treasury, Fredson Yamba, mark a turning point in the fight against corruption.
The commission also disclosed that further investigations were underway to trace unaccounted funds.
The forfeiture proceedings for seized properties are scheduled to be heard in court on September 15.
Nason Banda, DEC Director-General, said the move demonstrated Zambia’s commitment to uphold justice and accountability.
“These convictions signal a new era where complex financial crimes by public officers will be met with determined investigations and prosecutions,” he said.
He was speaking in Lusaka.
This week, Malanji was sentenced to four years imprisonment after being found guilty on counts involving over US$11 million, illicit real estate purchases and two helicopters.
Yamba received three years imprisonment for bypassing financial controls and facilitating the misappropriation of public funds.
President Hakainde Hichilema, in office since 2021, has prioritised the fight against corruption.
Critics however claim the crackdown only targets members of the previous administration, which was led by the Patriotic Front.
– CAJ News