Former Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Malanji has denied allegations that he owns two helicopters, telling the Economic and Financial Crimes Court that they belong to Gibson Air Charters.
Malanji, who is facing charges of possessing suspected proceeds of crime, including two helicopters, a hotel, and houses, stated in his defense that he has never personally owned an aircraft.
“The Bell 430 and Bell 206 Jet Ranger helicopters in question are not my property. They belong to Gibson Air Charters,” Malanji told the court.
He argued that Gibson Air Charters had the financial capacity to purchase the aircraft, citing the company’s financial records, loans, and banking transactions with First National Bank (FNB) and other institutions.
Malanji dismissed allegations that the Bell 430 helicopter was illegally moved to South Africa, stating that proper aviation procedures were followed.
He explained that Gibson Air Charters had arrangements with National Air Charters (NAC) in South Africa, allowing them to operate under its license in multiple countries, including Mozambique and West Africa.
Regarding the Bell 206 Jet Ranger, Malanji stated that Gibson Air Charters acquired it in March 2021 for approximately $700,000.
He testified that the company sourced the aircraft through a South African supplier and processed payments via Gibson Power Systems and its subsidiary, Gibson Properties.
“The aircraft was properly registered in Zambia under the registration 9GAC and was intended for commercial operations,” Malanji said.
The trial continues on Tuesday.
