By 
The anti-corruption dragnet has finally ensnared two of the most prominent figures of the Patriotic Front era.
Former Foreign Affairs Minister, Joseph Malanji, and ex-Secretary to the Treasury, Fredson Yamba, were on Tuesday convicted in Lusaka in separate but closely linked cases involving millions of Kwacha and properties suspected to be proceeds of crime.
Malanji, once a flamboyant Cabinet minister, was found guilty of possessing a Bell 430 helicopter, a Bell 206 Jet Ranger, cash deposits exceeding USD200,000, and three houses in Silverest—all deemed to be tainted assets.
He now faces forfeiture of the aircraft and properties to the State.
Magistrate Ireen Wishimanga ruled that Malanji failed to demonstrate legitimate sources of income for the acquisitions.
She noted evidence showing he often returned from Turkey with large sums of money that were rapidly banked in multiple deposits, describing the conduct as nothing short of “daylight robbery.”
The court further held that Malanji’s company, Gibson Charter Limited, lacked the capacity to finance such extravagant purchases, confirming suspicions that the funds used for the helicopters were illicit.
However, he was acquitted of charges relating to the Gibson Royal Hotel due to insufficient proof of unlawful acquisition.
Meanwhile, Fredson Yamba, who for a decade oversaw the nation’s finances, was convicted of wilfully failing to follow procedure in authorising the transfer of K108 million and K45.8 million to Zambia’s Mission in Ankara, Turkey.
The funds, originally earmarked for emoluments, were instead diverted for the purchase of a chancery without the required approvals from Parliament, the Attorney General, or the Zambia Public Procurement Authority.
Both Malanji and Yamba have pleaded for leniency. Malanji’s lawyer, Chandiwila Nyimbiri, cited his client’s status as a first offender and family man, while Yamba’s defence highlighted his long public service and clean criminal record, urging a suspended sentence.
The State, however, is pushing for tough measures and is expected to formally apply for the forfeiture of all contested assets.
The two former officials remain in custody as Magistrate Wishimanga is set to hand down sentencing on Thursday.
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