Opposition Leader Calls for PF Renewal After Ex-Minister's Corruption Sentence

The conviction of former Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Malanji for corruption has prompted calls for the Patriotic Front to distance itself from leaders who "betrayed public trust".

Opposition Leader Robert Chabinga has used the recent conviction of former Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Malanji as a rallying cry for the Patriotic Front (PF) to undergo what he calls "renewal and rebranding".

Malanji was sentenced to four years in prison with hard labour on Thursday after being found guilty on seven counts of acquiring properties and helicopters suspected to be the proceeds of crime. His co-accused, former Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba, received a three-year sentence.

Speaking to ZNBC News, Mr Chabinga said the conviction served as "a stark reminder of the damage caused when leaders abuse the public's trust". The opposition leader argued that former PF officials who enriched themselves at taxpayers' expense must show remorse and step aside to allow the party to rebuild its credibility.

Malanji was arrested in late 2021 for allegedly using embezzled state funds to acquire property. His conviction represents the latest in a series of prosecutions targeting former PF officials since President Hakainde Hichilema's United Party for National Development (UPND) took power in 2021.

Mr Chabinga criticised what he viewed as the leniency of Malanji's sentence, calling on the Director of Public Prosecutions to appeal the four-year term. He argued it was "unjust for individuals who looted millions from the state to receive lighter penalties".

Mr Chabinga's call for party renewal reflects broader questions about how parties can rebuild trust after being associated with corruption scandals. His message was clear: "The PF cannot rebuild trust with Zambians while continuing to associate with individuals who betrayed that trust."