05/09/2025
PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
5th September 2025
VISION NETWORK FOUNDATION APPEALS TO DEC TO APPEAL MALANJI SENTENCE
The Vision Network Foundation extends its congratulations to the Drug Enforcement Commission on securing the conviction of Mr. Joseph Malanji and Mr. Fredson Yamba.
As a civil society organization, we are deeply concerned by the four-year sentence handed down to Mr. Malanji for such a serious crime. We believe this court ruling represents a setback in the ongoing fight against the misappropriation of public resources.
We regret that the Honourable Magistrate missed a critical opportunity to set a stern example for future offenders. This degree of leniency risks sending the message that politically connected individuals are above the law and can escape with minimal consequences when they misuse the people’s resources. It is crucial to remember that any elective public office is a position of trust, held on behalf of the citizens of Zambia.
Additionally, we urge the Minister of Justice, Hon. Princess Kasune, to consider introducing a public bill in the National Assembly to strengthen penalties for such offenses.
We also call on the Director of Public Prosecutions to promptly appeal this year's sentence.
ISSUED:
Bishop Maxwell Luchile
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
VISION NETWORK FOUNDATION
