Hero Zambia Police Officer Rejects Staggering US$50,000 Bribe At Airport

US$50,000 Bribe Rejected By Honest Zambian Policewoman

A Zambian police officer has become a national icon after refusing a massive bribe of US$50,000 (approx. ZAR 900,000) from a suspect caught with millions in cash and suspected gold at the country’s main airport. Detective Sergeant Ruth Nyambe displayed what authorities have called “exceptional integrity” when faced with the life-changing sum.

The incident, which occurred on February 5, 2025, at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka, saw Nyambe intercept a suspect allegedly carrying US$2.3 million (approx. ZAR 41.4 million) and seven suspected gold bars. According to the Lusaka Times, the individual was travelling from Lusaka to an undisclosed destination.

The Bribe That Kept Growing

Faced with detention, the unnamed suspect made a desperate offer. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) detailed the escalating temptation Nyambe faced.

The suspect initially offered her a bribe of US$5,000 (approx. ZAR 90,000), but when she rejected it, the suspect increased the offer to US$50,000 to be allowed to proceed with their journey.

Nyambe stood firm. Instead of accepting, she immediately reported the offer to the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), which led to the suspect’s arrest. Her actions ensured the case could proceed through the courts.

A Nation Recognises Its Heroes

On Tuesday, December 23, 2025, Nyambe was formally honoured at the ACC’s Chief Executive Officers’ Forum. ACC Director-General Daphne Chabu presented her with the agency’s Integrity Award. The very next day, Zambia’s Inspector-General of Police, Graphel Musamba, announced Nyambe’s promotion from Sergeant to Inspector of Police.

The police service stated the promotion was:

“in recognition of her integrity, outstanding performance, and refusal to accept bribes.”

Nyambe was not the only official celebrated for incorruptibility. The ACC also honoured Hendrix Mwinga, a Technical Plant Health Inspector. Mwinga rejected a 160,000-kwacha bribe (approx. US$7,100 / ZAR 128,000) from a milling company attempting to smuggle three truckloads of unsafe wheat from South Africa via the Kazungula border. The contaminated consignment was ordered back to its origin.