Journalist Surrenders Sh444M Stashed In Her House

A Zambian journalist has surrendered $4m (Sh444M) found in her house last month as part of a corruption amnesty deal, officials have announced.

Margaret Chisela Musonda, alias Faith Musonda, has also forfeited her house located in an upmarket suburb in the capital, Lusaka, where the amount in local currency and US dollars was found.

Officials have not disclosed how she acquired the money and the nature of her wrongdoing, but said she had admitted culpability.

Zambia: journalist Faith Musonda has surrendered the equivalent of about US$4m found in her house. The house has also been seized. As part of an amnesty deal she will not be arrested pic.twitter.com/8gwpUJWdmk

— Zim Media Review (@ZimMediaReview) October 22, 2021

Ms Musonda is a well-known journalist who had a stint at the state broadcaster. She has not commented on the matter.

In a statement, a joint investigative team said the deal would see Ms Musonda avoid criminal proceedings.

It said the law allows the state “to grant amnesty to accused persons in certain instances on condition that they admit wrongdoing and return what they wrongfully acquired through corrupt practices”.

The team comprised officers from the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Zambia Police Service, the Drug Enforcement Commission and the Financial Intelligence Centre.

Zambians on social media have expressed divided opinions to the deal:

Faith Musonda issue not pleasant at all. How much money has she remained with hidden in her accounts and other places? Let's fight corruption seriously. @HHichilema the public want full disclosure.

— willsomg (@omg_wills) October 22, 2021

Faith Musonda hasn't been prosecuted. She was just used to keep the loot. The real thief is having stomach pains & sleepless nights. His mind isn't at peace. It's extremely stressed & strained. Stolen money is bitter & acidic, it can't be enjoyed. #Zambia

— Jack Kalala (@JackKalala4) October 21, 2021