Zambians, Egyptians in court over gold, cash mystery

Five Egyptians and six Zambians have appeared in court after a mystery plane landed in Lusaka with 130 kilogrammes of "suspected" gold, nearly six million dollars and weapons on board.

Drug and law enforcement authorities said 11 suspects, including a senior Zambian police officer, had been arrested and charged with "espionage" in the capital.

The suspects arrived at a magistrate's court late Mondayafternoon, an AFP correspondent reported.

Authorities in the southern African country seized 127 kilogrammes of "suspected gold", a handful of firearms, 126 rounds of ammunition and almost $5.7 million when the plane landed in Lusaka two weeks ago.

‘Dangerous goods’

The Drug Enforcement Commission said the chartered aircraftwas transporting "dangerous goods".

Judge Davies Chimbwili said that they were accused of havingacted "for purposes that were prejudicial to the safety and interest ofthe Republic of Zambia."

They were later taken into custody.

Court papers seen by AFP list a former Egyptian militaryperson and businessman as well as a Zambian police officer among the suspects.

The story, much of which remains unclear, has continuedmaking waves in Egypt.

30 years in jail

An independent Egyptian journalist who was arrested in Cairofollowing reports accusing officials of involvement in smuggling cash, weaponsand gold, was later released.

However, Egyptian state media had claimed the aircraft inquestion was privately owned and that it had only transited through Cairo.

The suspects could face up to 30 years in jail under Zambianlaw.