Those Involved in Gold Scam Will be Prosecuted.

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has issued a clear warning, stating that all individuals implicated in the gold scam at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport will face imminent arrest and subsequent legal prosecution.

On Tuesday, Zambian authorities officially declared the confiscation of the cargo aboard an aircraft that had arrived the preceding Sunday evening from Cairo Airport.

 The authorities said that the plane was “carrying about $5.7 million in cash, and 127 kilograms of metal alloys suspected of being gold,” but later announced that there was “copper, zinc, tin, and nickel minerals in varying proportions,” noting that they “seized five pistols, and seven ammunition rounds and 126 bullets.

Addressing a press conference in the capital city of Lusaka on Friday, Hichilema emphasised that these crimes will be vigorously fought, irrespective of the individuals implicated. The government will also work with international organisations to ensure that such criminality is fought, he added.

Hichilema said that it is vital to cooperate with international investigation wings to end these crimes.

“There is a need for law enforcement agencies to set up protected hotlines, where citizens can report activities that contravene the law,” the Zambian president added.

“This will ensure the participation of citizens in combating such crimes and corruption.”

Hichilema addressed those involved in the case, saying, “Whether you are a member of law enforcement agency or a member of the government, if you participate in this crime, you are on your own, we follow the rule of law.”

He emphasised that his “country is open for business” and investment yet stressed that “there is no space for criminal acts”, condemning the incident that occurred at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport as a crime.