The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has arrested two Zambian nationals in Lusaka in connection with a suspected gold scam involving USD 224,000.
The suspects, Douglas Njobvu, 43, of Katuba area in Chibombo District, and Archie Duncan McTribouy, 35, of Rhodes Park, were detained after allegedly attempting to sell 30 kilogrammes of gold to a victim before later claiming it had been lost in transit.
DEC Public Relations Officer Allan Tamba says investigations led to the seizure of a Toyota Allion and a Toyota Camry, believed to be proceeds of crime.
Mr. Tamba adds that Njobvu and McTribouy are also linked to another case under investigation involving 72 bars of suspected gold, five crystals believed to be diamonds, and several motor vehicles.
The two are currently in lawful custody and are expected to appear in court soon.
In a separate incident in Kabwe, the DEC arrested 29-year-old accountant Kalumba Felix Sichalwe for possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime.
He is accused of holding K44,072.33 in his bank account, as well as owning a Mercedes Benz and an incomplete house in Kabwe’s Mine area, contrary to the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act No. 19 of 2010.
Meanwhile, four people in Mumbwa District have been sentenced to three years’ imprisonment each for possessing counterfeit currency valued at USD 230,000.
The convicts Muhammad Hashim, Eddie Saidi Marugujo, Robson Siuluta, and Mariah Namwinga were successfully prosecuted through joint efforts by the DEC, the National Prosecution Authority (NPA), and other law enforcement agencies.
By Niza Voma
