Kambwili escapes jail, fined K25,000 for illegal departure from Zambia

Former Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Chishimba Kambwili, has avoided a custodial sentence after a Lusaka court fined him K25,000 for illegally leaving Zambia and travelling to Zimbabwe.

The outspoken politician pleaded guilty to unlawfully departing the country without presenting himself to immigration authorities at a designated border point.

Lusaka Magistrate, George Njobvu, convicted Kambwili on his own admission and ordered him to pay a K25,000 fine or serve seven months’ imprisonment in default.

Court records show that between January 1 and January 11, 2024, Kambwili left Zambia without authority and failed to comply with immigration requirements.

After the facts were outlined, Kambwili confirmed that they were accurate, leading to his conviction.

In asking for leniency, the defence told the court that Kambwili had cooperated with the judicial process by pleading guilty and had not wasted the court’s time.

Counsel Kenned Mambwe argued that the former minister had rendered public service in various capacities and should be considered for a non-custodial sentence.

He further submitted that no aggravating factors had been presented against his client.

Delivering sentence, Magistrate Njobvu said the offence attracted a penalty of a fine, imprisonment, or both.

He said the court had taken into account Kambwili’s guilty plea and expression of remorse.

The case arose from Kambwili’s departure from Zambia in early 2024. According to information previously released by government authorities, he had initially been scheduled for medical evacuation to South Africa but instead travelled to Zimbabwe.

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