Lusaka magistrate jails ringleader of Kafue Roundabout robbery gang

The Lusaka Magistrate’s Court has sentenced the ringleader of a gang that targeted motorists at the Kafue Roundabout to four years’ imprisonment with hard labour, while his four accomplices have each been handed two-year custodial sentences.

Joshua Ndeba, a bus conductor, was convicted alongside Charles Lungu, Penford Sampa, Knox Kabaso, and Emmanuel Nsofwa for stealing assorted items from motorists between November 2024 and February 2025.

The group was apprehended following an investigation led by Inspector Tembo of Lusaka Central Police. Court records show that all five admitted the charges in warn-and-caution statements issued in Nyanja.

In mitigation, Ndeba pleaded for leniency, telling Magistrate Chrispin Hampungani that he stole a mobile phone with the intent to sell it and use the proceeds to prepare for the birth of his child.

He said his wife gave birth to twins while he was in custody and begged for forgiveness.

His co-accused also asked the court for mercy, citing various personal hardships. Lungu told the court he was undergoing tuberculosis treatment and had no family support, while Sampa said his father was paralysed and that his time in prison had transformed his perspective.

Magistrate Hampungani, however, rejected the pleas, stating that the gang’s actions had instilled fear in motorists using the busy Kafue Roundabout.

“Many people use that road and are now scared of losing their belongings because of you. Some of your accomplices are still at large, and to send a strong message, this court will impose custodial sentences,” he ruled.

Ndeba, who faced multiple counts and was identified as the mastermind, received a four-year sentence with hard labour. His four accomplices were each sentenced to two years. None of the stolen items were recovered.

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