Malanji and Yamba Jailed Over Corruption and Abuse of Office
By Hannock Kasama
Former Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Malanji has been sentenced to four years in prison, while his co-accused, former Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba, has received a three-year sentence.
Lusaka Acting Chief Resident Magistrate Irene Wishimanga handed down the custodial sentences today, following their convictions yesterday.
Mr. Malanji was found guilty on seven counts of possessing property suspected to be proceeds of crime, while Mr. Yamba was convicted on two counts of willful failure to follow procedure in the disbursement of public funds.
Mr. Malanji’s conviction relates to the possession of a Bell 430 helicopter, a Bell 206 Jet Ranger, and three houses located in the Silverest area of Chongwe District, acquired between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021.
Mr. Yamba’s charges stem from the irregular authorization of a ZMW 108 million transfer to the Zambian Mission in Turkey for real estate procurement, between January 2020 and August 2021.
In her ruling, Magistrate Wishimanga emphasized that custodial sentences were necessary both as punishment and as a deterrent to others in positions of power.
She noted that the state had established a prima facie case against Mr. Malanji, who failed to justify the source of funds used to import the helicopters and construct the houses.
#Malanj
These guys who choke the Zambian economy as well as deprive poor Zambians monies that could improve their well-being, get only 3 & 4yrs while an ordinary person house breaking goes in for over 10yrs. It’s about time the law also considered the quantum of enrichment to be commensurate to sentencing.
Agree! 100%
The consoling thing is they have forfeited 90% of what they have to the state. Their bank accounts are frozen. Only a fraction of what is in their bank will be available to them.
This is the gentleman who was boasting and swearing that HH takatukwanishe, we have our people on the ground. Where are those people now? Let’s hope they will be visiting him in jail.
Imbwa imwe, bakabwalala mulenya mulelapila. Tuli busy naimwe bayaya. Everyone who stole a cent from us Zambians will be in jail. Iwe Findlay chakuti chakuti you are next for using our presidential aircraft for your personal errands. Penitentiary is your home after leaving us in penury. Lekeni mbomfye ne fisungu ifikalamba mwembwa mwe.