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A former senior security officer at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) has sued Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL), alleging wrongful dismissal over the VIP clearance of former President Edgar Lungu without standard security screening.
Paul Kasonde, who served as Manager for Aviation Security (AVSEC), filed the lawsuit in the Lusaka High Court, claiming his termination on February 10, 2025—just one year into a three-year renewable contract—was both unfair and unlawful.
His dismissal followed a January 19, 2025, incident in which former President Lungu was allowed to proceed through the airport without passing through the Arch-Way Metal Detector.
Kasonde argued that the facilitation did not breach any security protocol.
According to his statement of claim, the clearance of the former Head of State was in line with existing VIP Facilitation Procedures, which exempted certain dignitaries from standard screening.
These reportedly included the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chief Justice.
Kasonde stated that the facilitation was coordinated with officers from other state institutions, including the Zambia Police Service and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
He noted that no disciplinary measures were taken against those involved or other ZACL staff who assisted with the facilitation.
He further argued that both he and the airport manager had submitted a detailed report on the incident to the Director of Airport Services within 24 hours, refuting the accusation that he failed to report irregularities.
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“The same protocol procedures had been applied on several occasions in the past involving the same VIP without incident or disciplinary consequence,” read part of the claim.
“The Defendant Company singled out the Plaintiff in what amounts to targeted victimisation.”
Kasonde claims the dismissal caused him emotional and mental anguish, reputational damage, and career disruption in a highly specialised field.
He said limited job opportunities in aviation security have left him in financial distress.
Through his legal counsel, Kayula & Associates, he issued a demand letter to ZACL on April 7, 2025, seeking K5.5 million in compensation for the remainder of his contract, damages for emotional distress and reputational harm, and unpaid allowances.
In a response dated April 15, 2025, the Airports Corporation denied all claims of wrongdoing.
Kasonde is now seeking damages for wrongful dismissal, mental and emotional trauma, outstanding salaries and allowances, interest, legal costs, and any additional relief the court may grant.
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