The Kasama Magistrates’ Court has handed down a five-month prison sentence with hard labor to Chishimba Kambwili, a member of the Patriotic Front (PF) Central Committee. Kambwili was found guilty of expressing hatred or ridicule based on tribe and place of origin.
The verdict was delivered by Kasama Resident Magistrate Samson Mumba, who considered Kambwili’s status as a first-time offender, a family man, and a former government minister during the mitigation phase. The defense lawyers appealed for leniency, suggesting a fine or community service instead of imprisonment. They also highlighted Kambwili’s health concerns.
Despite these pleas, Magistrate Mumba, taking the mitigation into account, imposed the sentence to serve as a deterrent for potential offenders. In response, Kaizara Tembo of Fred Jere and Company, representing the defense, stated that they would appeal the decision.
Kambwili, a PF member, was arrested on June 21, 2022, in Kasama and charged with expressing hatred, ridicule, or contempt based on race, tribe, or place of origin. He is now held at the Milima Correctional Facility in Kasama.