Bowman Lusambo Sentenced to Three Years for Possession of Illicit Property

The Lusaka Magistrates’ Court has sentenced former Lusaka Province minister Bowman Lusambo to three years imprisonment with hard labour for possession of illicit property, effective 25 August 2025.

Chief Resident Magistrate Davis Chibwili found Lusambo guilty of unlawfully possessing two properties in Chamba Valley, deemed to be proceeds of crime. The court ruled that Lusambo’s official position in public service could not justify his ownership of a four-bedroom house, a guest wing, and six unfurnished flats.

Magistrate Chibwili noted that Lusambo’s declared income during his tenure was inconsistent with the means required to acquire such assets.

“The government or public service is not a place to join and become rich in a very short time because what one can earn per year is well known, whether by salaries or allowances,” he said.

Evidence from 10 prosecution witnesses demonstrated that Lusambo’s earnings as a parliamentarian and provincial minister, approximately K7 million, fell far short of the K22 million value of the properties.