Zambia’s Foreign Minister, Stanley Kakubo, resigned following a video allegedly showing him receiving cash from a Chinese businessman.
While not denying his presence in the video, Kakubo cited “malicious claims over a business transaction” and stepped down to prevent government distraction.
The footage displayed two men counting cash, triggering social media speculation about Kakubo’s involvement and queries about tax payments.
Unverified images of handwritten notes discussing a $100,000 and $200,000 transaction between a Zambian and a Chinese mining company surfaced.
In his resignation letter, Kakubo didn’t challenge the video’s authenticity but emphasized being a victim of unfounded accusations surrounding a family business deal.
He resigned to ensure the government’s focus on enhancing Zambian lives, stating intentions to provide context later. President Hichilema accepted Kakubo’s resignation, acknowledging his past work.
This isn’t Kakubo’s first controversy; previously accused of bribery, he denied wrongdoing, supported by the president claiming it involved gifts.
Chinese investment in Zambia exceeds $3bn through over 600 businesses.
Kakubo’s resignation marks the first under President Hichilema, who pledged anti-corruption efforts, yet faces opposition allegations of bias.
Former President Lungu suggests investigating Kakubo for corruption allegations.
Mr. Lungu said: “I am not implying that Kakubo is guilty. All I am saying is that if there are no sacred cows in Mr. Hichilema’s fight against corruption, Kakubo should be investigated and if need be prosecuted…”
Source-BBC
