Zambian Ex-Ministers Jailed Over Corruption and Abuse of Office

Former Foreign Minister Joseph Malanji has been sentenced to four years in prison, while former Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba received a three-year sentence.

Lusaka Acting Chief Resident Magistrate Irene Wishimanga handed down the custodial sentences today, 4 September 2025, following their convictions yesterday.

Malanji was found guilty on seven counts of possessing property suspected to be proceeds of crime, while Yamba was convicted on two counts of wilful failure to follow proper procedure in the disbursement of public funds.

Malanji’s conviction relates to the possession of a Bell 430 helicopter, a Bell 206 Jet Range, and three houses located in the Silverest area of Chongwe District, acquired between January 1 2020 and December 31 2021.

Yamba’s charges stem from the irregular authorisation of a K108 million transfer to the Zambian Mission in Turkey for real estate procurement, between January 2020 and August 2021.

In her ruling, Magistrate Wishimanga emphasised that custodial sentences were necessary both as punishment and 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.

Commenting on the conviction, civil society leader and governance activist Laura Miti said:

“The convictions of Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joseph Malanji, and Former Secretary to the Treasury, Fredson Yamba, have to be applauded…The release of money without a budget line, flying the presidential jet on a criminal mission, moving loads of money in cash, liberally spending the cash on expensive toys and properties, within days of getting it…Were these crimes possible without President Lungu's knowledge and approval?”

The conviction and sentencing of both men add to a growing list of corruption cases linked to officials from the former Patriotic Front administration, several of whom have faced investigations since 2021.