First Zambian Airways Docket with DPP

Investigations into the alleged failure by Zambian Airways to remit passenger service charges collected on behalf of National Airports Corporation (NACL) have been concluded and a docket forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice. The Zambian Airways saga has been going on since the airline suspended flights in November 2008 owing companies US$30 million and there has been pressure from various members of society to have its directors prosecuted over the debt.

In a related development, warn and caution statements have been recorded from two more Zambian Airways directors, including Nchima Nchito and another one based on the Copperbelt regarding the same investigations.

At a joint Press briefing by the police, Drug-Enforcement Commission (DEC) and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), April 23 Inspector General of Police, Francis Kabonde said other statements had been recorded from people based in South Africa.

Mr Kabonde said the first phase of investigations into the dealings of Zambian Airways, which suspended operations in January, had been concluded and the docket was with the DPP.

“The joint investigations teams has been probing the alleged failure to remit passenger service charges to the Government as agents of the National Airports Corporation (NACL),” Mr Kabonde said.

Mr Kabonde also said Zambians should be patient with the investigations of Zambian Airways, as they could not be completed overnight. The police chief also said people should realise that the issue of Zambian Airways was not political and not in any way targeted at certain individuals.

“This is not a political thing. It is about an alleged crime and nothing to do with politics, and this is the reason we decided to combine the investigations so that they are done in all areas,” Mr Kabonde said.