Maravi

Zambian Airways probe has reached an advanced stage, says Kabonde

Zambian Airways probe has reached an advanced stage, says Kabonde
Written by Ernest Chanda
Sunday, August 23, 2009 2:15:42 PM

POLICE Inspector General Francis Kabonde has said the investigations into Zambian Airways operations have reached an advanced stage. Briefing the media in Lusaka yesterday, Kabonde said the investigations had been extended to various countries where the airline operated routes.

"The Zambian Airways investigations are still ongoing and at a very advanced stage. In my earlier press briefing on this matter, I indicated that these investigations would be extended to all the countries that Zambian Airways operated routes. To be able to carry out the intended investigation that will involve among other things, identification of bank accounts and inspection of those bank accounts, that can only be done through the mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, in order to obtain evidence from those countries which will be admissible in our courts of law," Kabonde said.

"In this respect Requests for Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal Matters (ROGATORY COMMISSION) were forwarded to respective countries by the Attorney General through diplomatic channels as required by law. The authorities to carry these investigations are still being awaited from those countries. On the other hand, forensic auditors that were assigned from Ministry of Finance to carry out audit inspection for the books of accounts of Zambian Airways are yet to conclude their work and submit a report."

Kabonde said investigations into institutions connected to the Zambian Airways case were almost concluded.

"Other cases related to these investigations involving Development Bank of Zambia, NAPSA [National Pension Scheme Authority], Workman's Compensation [Fund] and Zambia Revenue Authority have almost been concluded. We are however avoiding segmentation of cases at this stage in order to detect what went wrong at Zambian Airways and further avoid duplication of work in the long run. We are leaving no stone unturned to detect what went wrong at Zambian Airways," he said.

Kabonde said the forensic audit into Zambian Airways' alleged failure to remit passenger fees to the National Airports Corporation Limited (NACL) were almost complete.

"Due to repeated queries surrounding the extent of investigations involving Zambian Airways' alleged failure to remit passenger fees to the National Airports Corporation, I am glad to confirm that forensic audits are progressing well and almost complete. These investigations have been quite diverse in nature but arrangements have been made to ensure that everything is completely done and within the confines of the law," said Kabonde said. "To this effect, officers are expected to travel to South Africa and Tanzania respectively for the purpose of conducting the same forensic audits in those countries. And sooner than later, the nation will be informed through the press on the outcome of such investigations."

Zambian Airways suspended operations in January this year owing to high cost of operations due to high fuel prices.

Kabonde also warned would-be cattle buyers in Southern Province to be cautious of people who called them on mobile phones purporting to sell animals, saying they would risk their lives.

The warning comes in the wake of businessmen that buy cattle, who had recently been shot and had their money stolen while others sustained gunshot wounds this month between Pemba and Choma.

Labels: FRANCIS KABONDE, ZAMBIAN AIRWAYS

posted by MrK @ 1:17 PM