Zambian prosecutors seek tougher sentences for Malanji and Yamba
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Zambian Observer
Zambia’s prosecution service is asking the Court of Appeal to increase the sentences of former minister Joe Malanji and former Treasury secretary Fredson Yamba, sentenced to four and three years in prison respectively. The prosecution considers the penalties too lenient given the offences and public funds involved, according to the National Prosecution Authority.
Zambia’s prosecution service is asking the Court of Appeal to increase the prison sentences of former Foreign Affairs Minister Joe Malanji and former Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba, arguing that their convictions do not reflect the seriousness of the offences or the amount of public funds involved, the Zambian Observer reports. The application constitutes a cross-appeal in the ongoing proceedings.
Joe Malanji was sentenced to four years in prison on seven counts related to possession of assets allegedly obtained from criminal activities, including two helicopters, cash and three houses in Lusaka. Fredson Yamba received three years for two counts related to failure to comply with rules governing the management of public funds.
The two convictions notably concern transfers of 108.4 million and 45.8 million kwachas to the account of Zambia’s diplomatic mission in Turkey between January 2020 and August 2021. The transactions, intended to purchase a property, were allegedly carried out without the required authorisations from Parliament, the attorney general and the Zambian public procurement authority.
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Gilbert Phiri, had previously lodged an appeal to challenge the sentences and overturn Malanji’s acquittal concerning possession of the Royal Gibson Hotel. The case is being heard by Zambia’s Court of Appeal.
