Zambian Court Jails Two MPs for Arson and Malicious Damage

By Ollus Ndomu

In a landmark ruling, the Kawambwa Magistrate Court has found Patriotic Front (PF) Pambashe Member of Parliament Ronald Chitotela guilty of arson. Chitotela has been committed to the High Court for sentencing, where he faces a minimum of 10 years imprisonment. This ruling is part of a broader legal crackdown on PF members following their tenure in government, marked by violence and lawlessness, especially during the presidency of Edgar Lungu.

Additionally, Nickson Chilangwa, Kawambwa Member of Parliament, has been sentenced to five years imprisonment with hard labor for malicious damage to property. Both Chitotela and Chilangwa, along with other PF members, were accused of burning a Mahindra vehicle belonging to the United Party for National Development (UPND) Luapula youth committee during the 2021 General elections.

Others found guilty in connection with this incident include Kalumba Chifumbe and Davy Kaniki, who have also been sentenced to five years imprisonment each. Ronald Chitotela, Kunda Chitotela, and Chabu Chitotela have been committed to the High Court for sentencing.

This verdict is seen as a significant move by the current UPND government, led by President Hakainde Hichilema, to enforce the rule of law and address the violent legacy left by the PF regime.