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A 34-year-old money lender from Lusaka’s Chelstone Township has appeared in the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court on allegations of illegally transacting in more than K5 million and importing prohibited SIM devices.
Mary Maimba, who trades as Vanisho Money Lending, pleaded not guilty to five charges when she appeared before Chief Resident Magistrate Sylvia Munyinya.
The matter has been adjourned to February 11, 2026, for commencement of trial.
According to the charge sheet, Maimba is accused in the first count of conducting a money lending business at an address other than the one authorised, contrary to Section 3(3)(b) of the Money Lenders Act, Chapter 398. The offence is alleged to have occurred between February 1, 2022, and June 16, 2023, in Lusaka.
In the second count, she is charged with advertising a money lending business contrary to Section 7(1)(e) and (5) of the same Act.
The State alleges that she sent unsolicited invitations to members of the public inviting them to borrow money.
The third count accuses her of providing electronic communication services without a licence, in violation of Section 9(1) and (2) of the Information and Communication Technologies Act No. 15 of 2009.
In the fourth count, Maimba is charged with unlawfully importing and possessing prohibited equipment—specifically SIM boxing devices—contrary to the Cyber Crimes and Cyber Security Act No. 2 of 2021.
The fifth count relates to money laundering, in which she is alleged to have engaged in transactions involving amounts ranging from K1,026,801.53 to K5,360,288.93, believed to be proceeds of crime.
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