Former defence minister, Chama, jailed eight years for 2015 by-election violence

Former Defence Minister Davies Chama has become the latest high-profile opposition figure to be sent to prison after the Mongu High Court sentenced him to eight years’ imprisonment with hard labour for his role in a brutal attack during the 2015 Mulobezi parliamentary by-election.

Justice Joseph Mbuzi found Chama and his co-accused, Brian Dumisani Nyoni, guilty of Acts Intended to Cause Grievous Harm, contrary to Section 224(a) of the Penal Code.

The two were convicted for shooting and stabbing UPND supporter Mushaukwa Mushaukwa before dragging him with a vehicle—an assault the court described as unprovoked and excessively violent.

In sentencing, Judge Mbuzi said the offence was serious and aggravated by the fact that it occurred during an election, a period that should not be marred by violence.

“There was no justification for the brutal attack. Even after the victim was shot twice, the convicts proceeded to stab him and drag him with a motor vehicle,” he said.

While acknowledging submissions in mitigation, including that both men were first-time offenders and that Chama had served the country at a high level, the judge ruled that leniency would be inappropriate given the gravity of the case.

“The court must send a clear message that electoral violence cannot be tolerated. Elections must be peaceful contests, not battlegrounds for political rivals,” he said.

The judge noted that although the offence does not carry a minimum mandatory sentence, it carries a maximum of life imprisonment, underscoring the seriousness with which the law treats such acts.

Chama’s sentence is effective from August 1, 2025, the date of his conviction.

Nyoni, who was not in custody at the time of sentencing, was issued a warrant of arrest, and his sentence will begin upon apprehension.

The duo were informed of their right to appeal to the Court of Appeal within 14 days.

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