Zambia’s ex-Foreign Minister Joseph Malanji has been given a four-year prison sentence with hard labour after being found guilty of corruption.
Malanji was convicted on seven charges of acquiring properties and helicopters believed to be the result of illegal activities, according to the state broadcaster.
His co-defendant, former treasury secretary Fredson Yamba, was sentenced to three years in prison for approving the transfer of over $8 million (£6 million) to Zambia’s diplomatic mission in Turkey without proper justification.
Many ministers from former President Edgar Lungu’s administration have faced convictions for various crimes, but Malanji stands out as the most notable case.
President Hakainde Hichilema vowed to eliminate corruption when he took office four years ago after defeating Lungu in the elections.
Lungu and his party, the Patriotic Front (PF), have claimed that Hichilema is pursuing a political vendetta against them.
The former president passed away from natural causes in South Africa in June, but his burial has been delayed due to a prolonged dispute between his family and the government regarding funeral arrangements.
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Malanji had a close relationship with Lungu, serving as his foreign minister from 2018 to 2021.
He was nicknamed “Bonanza” for his generosity and his interactions with the public.
While delivering the sentence, Magistrate Ireen Wishimanga stated that she had shown “leniency” towards Malanji and Yamba because they were first-time offenders, and she had considered the “spirited mitigation” arguments presented by their legal team.
Critics of Hichilema argue that corruption remains prevalent in his administration, but none of his ministers have been convicted yet.
