By Hannock Kasama
In a significant development at the Lusaka Magistrate Court, Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) Director of Anti-Money Laundering and Investigations Unit, Kwaleyela Mukelabai, has cast doubt on claims made by former Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Malanji regarding his company’s business dealings with a prominent Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) firm.
Disputed Business Deals
According to Mukelabai’s testimony, there is no evidence that Malanji’s company, Gibson Power System, engaged in business transactions with the China Civil Engineering Construction Company of the DRC between 2017 and 2020. This contradicts Malanji’s claims that his company had business dealings with the DRC firm and that he purchased two helicopters partially with proceeds from these alleged deals.
Mukelabai reported that the investigation, led by DRC’s Ministry of Public Affairs Prosecutor General Charles Kabozya, found no records of such transactions. Additionally, Mukelabai refuted claims that DRC’s Mass Investment deposited $850,000 into Gibson Power System’s accounts on October 12, 2020, stating that no such transaction appeared in DRC’s Robank statements for the period in question.
Charges Against Malanji
Mukelabai’s testimony is part of a broader case where Joseph Malanji is charged with possession of properties deemed to be proceeds of crime, in violation of Section 71 of the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act Number 19 of 2010. Malanji faces these charges alongside former Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba.
Principal Resident Magistrate Irene Wishimanga is overseeing the case, which has drawn considerable public attention due to the high-profile nature of the defendants and the serious nature of the allegations.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The court proceedings continue as Mukelabai’s testimony and the associated evidence challenge the validity of Malanji’s claims regarding his financial dealings with DRC entities. The outcome of the case may have significant implications for all parties involved and could further illuminate issues related to financial transactions and alleged corruption.
