Melo News | Tuesday, June 18, 2024 | Lusaka
Martin Mbaya, a 50-year-old resident of Lusaka, is facing a potential exchange of his luxurious Land Cruiser for a jail cell following a series of charges brought against him by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC).
Inspired by the popular song “Blessings Follow Me” by Yo Maps, Mbaya’s extravagant lifestyle, highlighted by his Toyota Land Cruiser bearing the eye-catching registration number BAP 7240, drew attention to his newfound wealth. However, instead of attracting more blessings, his opulent lifestyle caught the interest of the DEC’s Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit (AMLIU) on April 21, 2024.
They seized the Land Cruiser suspecting it was acquired through illicit means. On the same day, the situation escalated as authorities found Mbaya in possession of an unlicensed 9mm Girsan pistol and a significant amount of ammunition.
It appears that Mbaya’s interests extended beyond luxury cars and firearms, as he is accused of fabricating a counterfeit firearm license (number 1228545) between January 2022 and April 2024. He claimed the document was issued by the Lusaka City Council, but upon inspection by DEC officials, the deception quickly unraveled.
DEC’s spokesperson, Allan Tamba, confirmed Mbaya’s arrest and the charges against him, which include possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as document forgery. “Mbaya is expected to make a court appearance in the near future,” Tamba stated.
