President Hakainde Hichilema Donates Seized Joseph Malanji Helicopters to Zambia Air Force (ZAF)

President Hichilema Reaffirms Commitment to Transparency and Accountability

President Hakainde Hichilema has directed that helicopters seized from jailed former Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Malanji be handed over to the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) for humanitarian and emergency operations.

Speaking during an engagement with UPND Lusaka Province party structures, the Head of State reiterated his administration’s strong stance against corruption, emphasizing that the fight remains non-selective and guided by the rule of law.

“This is the job Zambians gave me — to fight corruption. Anyone stealing from hospitals or government projects is on their own,” President Hichilema stated.

He added that all assets recovered through legal processes would be repurposed for the benefit of the public, as part of his government’s broader mission to ensure national resources are used to serve citizens effectively.

Seized Assets to Strengthen Humanitarian Response

According to the President, the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) will take ownership of the helicopters previously linked to Mr. Malanji. The aircraft are expected to enhance ZAF’s capacity in key areas such as:

• Humanitarian and rescue missions

• Medical evacuations (medevac)

• Disaster and emergency response

• Support for rural and remote communities

President Hichilema noted that turning recovered property into public assets aligns with his government’s policy of restoring integrity in public service and ensuring that no individual is above the law.

A Strong Message on the Fight Against Corruption

The President’s decision underscores his administration’s continued efforts to curb corruption and misuse of public funds. He emphasized that every recovered asset will serve as a reminder that public office is a position of trust, not personal enrichment.

Observers have noted that this move demonstrates a shift towards practical measures in the anti-corruption campaign, ensuring that outcomes directly benefit citizens. The decision to reallocate the helicopters to ZAF reflects a hands-on approach to governance and accountability.

Public Reaction and Political Commentary

The announcement has sparked widespread public interest, with many Zambians praising President Hichilema for taking decisive action. On various social media platforms, citizens commended the initiative as a positive use of recovered assets, while urging continued consistency in the fight against corruption.

Political analysts have described the move as a strategic example of good governance, adding that it could boost public confidence in the justice system and reinforce the government’s credibility in handling corruption-related cases.

“This decision sends a strong message that public resources, once recovered, must be redirected to serve the people. It is both symbolic and practical,” said one Lusaka-based governance expert.

A Step Toward Restoring Public Trust

The repurposing of Joseph Malanji’s helicopters represents more than just asset recovery—it symbolizes a renewed commitment to integrity, accountability, and transparency within Zambia’s leadership.

President Hichilema reaffirmed that his administration, under the New Dawn Government, remains focused on ensuring the rule of law prevails, public resources are protected, and the welfare of citizens remains a top priority.

As the Zambia Air Force prepares to deploy the helicopters for humanitarian use, many citizens view this development as a clear sign of progressive leadership and responsible governance under President Hichilema’s watch