Director of Public Prosecutions returns to court, wants Malanji, Yamba imprisoned for more than four years

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Gilbert Phiri has appealed against the prison terms imposed on former Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Malanji and ex-Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba, arguing that the sentences were too light given the gravity of the offences.

On September 3, 2025, the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court convicted Yamba on two counts of willful failure to follow the law in the management of public funds after he authorised the release of K108 million and K48 million outside the provisions of the Appropriation Act.

He was sentenced to three years imprisonment with hard labour.

Malanji was convicted on six counts of possessing property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime and handed a four-year term.

Evidence showed he made repeated unexplained deposited ranging from US$49,900 to US$100,000—sometimes up to six times in a single day—despite his companies being unable to service loans at the time.

In his notice of appeal, Phiri said the trial court misdirected itself by imposing “light” sentences despite the presence of aggravating factors.

He also challenged Malanji’s acquittal on one count relating to the Gibson Royal Hotel, arguing that the court failed to consider critical circumstantial evidence.

Court documents show that funds meant for Zambia’s foreign missions were wired directly from the Ministry of Finance without procurement records at either the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the embassies concerned.

Investigators further revealed that large sums were withdrawn in cash and flown back to Zambia under what prosecutors described as highly irregular circumstances.

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