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Government may have moved to douse social tension in the country by authorizing the release of notable incarcerated individuals.
This is as Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister, Jack Mwiimbu, on Thursday confirmed the release of former Defence Minister, Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba (GBM) and 12 others.
Mwamba release comes on medical grounds, following reports of his deteriorating health while in custody.
Mwamba was currently serving a five-year sentence at Mwembeshi Prison for conflict of interest and possession of suspected proceeds of crime.
However, he had applied to the Economic and Financial Crimes Division of the High Court for permission to present new evidence in his appeal.
He argued that the fresh evidence—comprising a letter from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), his written declaration of interest, and correspondence from the late President Michael Sata exonerating him—was unfairly excluded from his trial.
Mwamba, who served as Kasama Central Member of Parliament (2009–2016) and Defence Minister (2011–2013) under the Patriotic Front (PF) government, maintains that his conviction was based on alleged abuse of office related to government contracts.
Mwiimbu, announced that President Hakainde Hichilema had pardoned Mwamba on medical grounds.
“On 28th February 2025, Mr. Mwamba petitioned President Hakainde Hichilema to exercise his prerogative of mercy.
The President, in consideration of Mr. Mwamba’s health and under Section 77(1) of the Zambia Correctional Service Act No. 37 of 2021, referred the matter to the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security,” Mwiimbu said.
He stated that taking into account Mwamba’s health, recommendations of the medical board, the withdrawal of his appeal, and his commitment to comply with the court order of December 18, 2024, and in accordance with Section 77(1) of the Zambia Correctional Service Act, had decided to discharge GBM on medical grounds.
Mwiimbu reaffirmed that Zambia had no political prisoners, stating that all individuals currently incarcerated had been found to be in conflict with the law through legal processes.
“Allegations suggesting the persecution of opposition members are without basis. The Government remains resolute in ensuring justice and equal treatment under the law for all citizens,” he said.
Others discharged with GBM on medical grounds are Kingsley Maimbo (LIV/760/21), Baset Simbala (LUS/3030/24), Richard Mudenda (LIV/477/23), Kunyanda Pumulo (MGU/257/24), Brian Chinyemba (KAO/233/24), Julius Patson Daka (NMWR/579/24), Collins Banda (LUS/387/25), James Phiri (LUS/2397/24), Icent Changa (LUS/580/24), Harrison Mumba (LUS/2611/24), Samuel Musonda Bwalya (LUS/2115/24), and Muyunda Namayanga (LUS/1227/25).
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