By Isaac Zulu
Former defence minister Davies Chama has charged that there is a syndicate in the UPND administration that is working with foreign nationals to pilfer mineral resources in the country.
But Home Affairs minister Jack Mwiimbu has dismissed claims that the plane which was carrying illegal gold and the 10 suspects had been let go, saying they are all in the custody of state security agencies.
Commenting on the interception of a private jet at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) by the Drug Enforcement Commission, Chama said that some people connected to the UPND and those serving in government have embarked on a scheme to “dubiously get mineral wealth out of the country.”
He claimed that the interception of a private jet at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, which was ladden with gold, is an indication that some senior government officials are colluding with some foreign nationals in mining minerals by using illegal.
“That is an indication that out there are a lot of criminal activities taking place in the UPND administration. This government is engaging in a lot of criminalities. That only goes to show that there’s a syndicate in the UPND administration to pilfer mineral resources in the country,” Chama said. “Some senior government officials are colluding with their friends, who are foreign nationals and busy illegally and with impunity mining the country’s mineral resources.”
He said that what was even more appalling is the fact that the private jet ladden with gold was intercepted at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) at the Presidential hanger.
“That is appalling and scandalous. It raises questions about our air space and how secured it is by ZAF,” he said.
Chama said that the matter at hand is only a tip of an iceberg.
“More criminal activities taking place in the UPND government are yet to be revealed. Wait for more revelations… this is just a tip of an iceberg,” Chama further said.
He also said it was laughable for Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe to insinuate that what was found on the jet was not gold, but copper.
“I was actually puzzled to hear the Mines and Minerals Development Minister saying that that was not gold, but copper. If I were President Hakainde Hichilema, I would dismiss that minister,” said Chama.
But Mwiimbu has described as false claims that the plane and suspects had been let go, something the Drug Enforcement Commission echoed.
Mwiimbu said the only authorities to issue statements on the matter will be DEC and not any other government institution.
Mines minister Paul Kabuswe yesterday said the seized gold at KKIA is not gold but Copper, Nickel, Tin and Zinc.
