By GRACE CHAILE
FORMER Zambian Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Malanji has denied owning two helicopters, the BELL 430 and BELL 206 Jet Ranger, which are suspected to be proceeds of crime.
Malanji claimed that Gibson Air Charters owns the helicopters, not him.
Malanji’s defense comes after the investigation team stated that Gibson Air Charters and other companies involved had no capacity to purchase aircraft, according to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).
However, Malanji provided documentation, including a statement from First National Bank (FNB), to demonstrate Gibson Power System’s financial capacity.
The document shows a total turnover of $3.475 million from 2010 to 2020, indicating that the company had the means to procure an aircraft worth $1.4 million.
Malanji argued that this evidence contradicts the investigation team’s claims and demonstrated that Gibson Air Charters had the necessary funds to purchase the helicopters.
Malanji also explained the process of acquiring the BELL 206 helicopter, which involved importing it from South Africa and registering it in Zambia.
He emphasised that Gibson Air Charters, not him, owns the helicopter. According to Malanji, the company imported the helicopter to provide charter services and generate revenue.
Malanji also clarified that the BELL 430 helicopter was never registered in Zambia and was instead operated under a South African registration.
He stated that Gibson Air Charters had an agreement with the National Air Charters (NAC) to operate the helicopter under their license.
Malanji continues his defense today.
He is jointly charged with for Secretary to the Treasury,Fredson Yamba,for wilful failure to comply with procedure relating to the management of public resources.
The Director of Public prosecutions Gilbert Phiri led the state prosecutor during the trial.
