BREAKING: Pastor Duncan Simuchimba Released from Kamfinsa Prison, to Complete Sentence Outside
Pastor Duncan Daniel Simuchimba, a well-known cleric and community advocate from Kitwe, has been released from Kamfinsa Correctional Facility after serving four months of a ten-month sentence. The remaining six months will be served outside the prison walls under conditions believed to be part of a supervised release program. His release has been met with both relief and celebration by his supporters, especially among marketeers and informal traders who viewed his imprisonment as unjust.
Pastor Simuchimba’s arrest earlier this year was surrounded by controversy. He was charged with allegedly inciting public unrest through sermons and social media commentary. Critics of the arrest said the charges lacked substance and were politically driven, aimed at silencing a community leader who had grown increasingly vocal about social injustices faced by informal workers.
Astone Sakala, Coordinator of the Informal Economy Consortium of Zambia (IECZ), welcomed the release with a message of unity and gratitude. “We thank all those who stood with Pastor Duncan Simuchimba and us marketeers during this difficult period. As marketeers, we shall continue to be united in good times and bad times. Together we can,” Sakala stated in a public message.
Several members of the clergy have also spoken out about the arrest, describing it as an abuse of power. In an earlier statement, Reverend Chilekwa M of Ndola condemned the political interference he believed led to the arrest. “Politicians in Kitwe should spare the Pastor from their unnecessary cheap politics. It’s important to remind them that every citizen has a right to freedom of expression and association within the law,” he said.
Supporters of Pastor Simuchimba have insisted that his statements were not incitement, but rather a call for social justice. Many believe that his arrest reflects a growing trend where outspoken citizens and community leaders face harassment for speaking out against poor governance and economic hardship. The incident has raised fresh questions about the balance between public order and constitutional freedoms in Zambia.
While official details surrounding the terms of his early release have not yet been confirmed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, it is widely believed that Pastor Simuchimba was released under a community-based sentencing arrangement. These programs allow non-violent offenders to serve part of their sentences outside correctional facilities under supervision.
Public reaction to the release has been largely positive, with small gatherings of supporters seen in Kitwe celebrating the news. Some carried placards reading “Justice for Pastor Duncan” and called on government authorities to protect freedom of speech and the role of the Church in society. Others emphasized the importance of forgiveness and national healing over political vendettas.
Though Pastor Simuchimba has not issued a formal public statement since his release, sources close to his family say he remains in good health and plans to resume his religious duties while abiding by the terms of his supervised release. His legal team has also hinted that an appeal may be considered in the future to challenge the original conviction.
June 4, 2025
©️ KUMWESU
None of Zambia’s previous Presidents has ever arrested anyone for this kind of case
Is your brain outside your skull? Who told you that the president arrests people. You really think HH cares much about these lunatics always insulting him?He does not care cause his focus is to improve the lives of all Zambians.Stop this nonsense of saying HH arresting people, it is the law. The power of sin is the law says the Bible
Shame on Hakainde for being the first president in Zambia to persecute the clergy. And he thinks he will enter heaven? Shah!
Reject tribalism, corruption and oppression.
DO NOT BE FOOLED.
DO NOT BE A FOOL.
VOTE FOR CHANGE IN 2026.
As for you whoever is paying you is just wasting that money. You are not normal and being tribalist does not help you at all. You are the people who benefited na tantamene.This time around you will dance shikisha malikishi.Keep on crying here we don’t care.
HH 2031
Informal sector trading is a survival option when everything else fails. It’s however, not legal as stolen, illegal and dangerous goods do find their way on the informal sector. There should be some who remember the sale of dog meat on the informal sector. Life is hard and unpredictable in the informal sector. The informal sector exists because the formal sector cannot absorb everyone. We cannot ease the problem by shouting at each other because the solution is not out there on the shelf. It’s something we need to work out.