Emmanuel Mwamba Challenges President Over Malanji Corruption Case

Patriotic Front member Emmanuel Mwamba has contested President Hakainde Hichilema's statements regarding the prosecution of former Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Malanji, accusing authorities of misrepresenting facts about diplomatic property transactions.

Mwamba detailed a 2019 government program allocating $20 million for purchasing and rehabilitating diplomatic properties worldwide, including missions in Australia and Turkey. He explained that for the Ankara chancery building, $6.8 million was paid in December 2020, followed by $2 million in July 2021 after Malanji left office. The purchase was finalised at $8 million in October 2021 under the new administration.

The opposition figure accused Drug Enforcement Commission Director General Nason Banda of perjury, claiming authorities falsely stated that $11 million was sent to Ankara and collected by Malanji via presidential aircraft. Mwamba clarified that ministers routinely used the Bombardier Challenger for official duties, not the designated presidential Gulfstream G650.

Mwamba criticised President Hichilema for personally contacting leaders in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Turkey to secure witnesses and recover Malanji's helicopters.

The rebuke follows President Hichilema's address to UPND structures, where he defended his anti-corruption mandate. "This is the job Zambians gave me, to fight corruption," Hichilema stated, announcing that recovered assets, including Malanji's helicopters, would be transferred to the Zambia Air Force for humanitarian operations.

The President emphasised his administration's commitment to restoring public service integrity and ensuring accountability regardless of political standing.