Zambia’s former Foreign Minister, Joseph Malanji, has been handed a four-year prison sentence with hard labour following his conviction on corruption charges.
According to the state broadcaster, Malanji was found guilty on seven counts related to acquiring properties and helicopters believed to be funded through proceeds of crime.
His co-defendant, Fredson Yamba — the former Treasury Secretary — was sentenced to three years in prison for authorizing the transfer of over $8 million (£6 million) to Zambia’s diplomatic mission in Turkey without providing adequate justification.
Malanji becomes the most prominent figure from former President Edgar Lungu’s administration to be convicted, joining a growing list of officials found guilty of various offences. Malanji served as foreign minister between 2018 and 2021 and was known by the nickname “Bonanza” for his generosity and close interactions with the public.
The sentencing magistrate, Ireen Wishimanga, noted she had exercised “leniency” toward both Malanji and Yamba, citing their status as first-time offenders and the strong mitigation arguments presented by their lawyers.
President Hakainde Hichilema, who came to power four years ago after defeating Lungu at the polls, had pledged to clamp down on corruption. However, opposition members, particularly from Lungu’s Patriotic Front (PF), accuse him of using the anti-corruption drive to target political rivals.
Lungu passed away in June while in South Africa, reportedly from natural causes. His burial has been delayed amid a prolonged dispute between his family and the government over funeral arrangements.
Despite President Hichilema’s anti-graft promises, critics claim that corruption continues within his administration. None of his current ministers have faced prosecution or dismissal over such allegations.
In May, the United States suspended $50 million (£37 million) in health funding to Zambia, citing “systematic theft” of medical supplies and stating it would no longer support the enrichment of “fraudsters.” While the Zambian government pledged to investigate, no charges have been brought so far.
Transparency International continues to rank Zambia among the world’s most corrupt nations.
