STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PATRIOTIC FRONT, HON. ROBERT CHABINGA, MP
The revelations surrounding Hon. Joseph Malanji’s conviction are a painful but necessary reminder of the damage caused when entrusted leaders abuse the confidence of the people and the resources of our nation.
The theft of $11 million (ZMW 270 million), withdrawn in cash over the counter in Turkey and flown back to Zambia on a Presidential Jet, represents one of the darkest chapters in our nation’s history. The use of a State aircraft to commit what can only be described as Zambia’s biggest robbery is shameful, dishonourable, and must be condemned in the strongest terms.
As Acting President of the Patriotic Front, I wish to state clearly:
1. Those who served as leaders in the PF but chose to enrich themselves at the expense of the people must show remorse, stand down, and pave the way for the party’s renewal and rebranding.
2. We cannot rebuild trust with the Zambian people while clinging to individuals who betrayed that trust.
3. To those who abused ministerial office to plunder public funds, let this be a warning: you must be ready to face justice.
4. I also call upon the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to appeal this sentence. It is unconscionable that poor Zambians face five to seven years in jail for stealing a chicken out of hunger, yet those who looted millions from the State walk away with lighter sentences. Justice must not favour the powerful.
To our members and to the nation, let us be reminded that it was by God’s providence that PF lost power in 2021. The depth of corruption in that Cabinet was such that, had you thrown a stone, it would almost certainly have landed on a thief. This was a painful but necessary cleansing moment.
As we move forward, PF must demonstrate humility, integrity, and a genuine break from the past. That is the only path to renewal and the only way we can again be trusted by the Zambian people.
Hon. Robert Chabinga, MP
President – Patriotic Front
Exactly my comment. The DPP should appeal this ridiculous mockery to justice sentence. I would urge you Mr Chabinga to personally perform the act to the DPP by writing to him to appeal the sentence to one befitting justice and the crime.
I think turning pure grade gold to quarry at KKIA is top of the list. Followed by the theft of 750 million USD worth of sulligate.
REJECT TRIBALISM, CORRUPTION AND OPPRESSION.
VOTE FOR CHANGE IN 2026.
This is Zambia , our justice system can never be balanced. The Rich have their own favorable way of justice while the poor face the consequences of breaking the law fully. There alot of poor people in jail who are battling with sickness but no one speaks for them. Let a politician cough in jail the whole world will know . Take statistics for prisoners and find out people serving 5 years sentence for just insulting or transpass. NOW 11MILLION DOLLARS, 4years?
What change? there will be no change, It is aluta continua
Robert Chabinga has scored for once.
I dont care about the state of the PF party but this talk and call by a young Zambian leader is how it should have been regardless of their political standing. Malanji and Yamba stole big. Yamba cannot have been willing to commit such a serious offence without benefitting anything. There was a cut for everyone involved including those whose provided authority and means for passage to Turkey to collect the money. The list is people involved is long and must include people at the treasury who work on the mill that allows funds to be extenalised. Its was never Yamba alone. A public open petition to have the State appeal against the mckery of just 4 years for such a grave crine against the people
If you listened to the Phoenix lunch hour news today 5th September, 2025, the DEC Director General said investigations were still on going in connection with the Malanji conviction involving other people allegedly involved. So, there you are right.
What a refreshing article Chabinga. PF looters must be ashamed of themselves. Ati Ba Bonanza, kanshi ni mpupu. Kabwalala umubi sana. The DEC Director General must do the needful. Those chaps should go in NOT less than 10 years.