The long-awaited judgment in the high-profile case against former Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Malanji and former Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba is now confirmed for delivery on 3rd September 2025, following multiple adjournments, including one triggered by a medical note vigorously challenged by Principal State Prosecutor Ms. Mwangala Mwala

The duo faces ten counts of wilful failure to follow procedure and possession of suspected proceeds of crime. The case had faced yet another delay on 1st September when the court did not sit.

This came after an earlier adjournment on 22nd August, which was granted only after the defence submitted a medical note claiming Malanji was suddenly ill. Prosecutor Mwala immediately challenged the document, highlighting critical inconsistencies: it referred to the accused as “Joel Malanji” instead of “Joseph Malanji” and failed to state the nature of the illness. She successfully applied for the attending doctor to be summoned to testify under oath.

Dr. Beros Nsiku Vangu of UTH eventually took the stand, confirming he issued the note after seeing Malanji at Lusaka Trust Hospital. He blamed the name discrepancy on a “clerical error,” though he admitted it was his first time personally treating the individual and could not verify whether the accused in court was the same person he had examined.

Having considered the testimony, the court proceeded to adjourn the matter, with Magistrate Ireen Wishimanga issuing a stern warning to Malanji and his surety to ensure his presence at all future hearings.

The stage is now set for a final decision by the court, bringing closure to a case that has been closely watched by the public and highlights the judiciary’s meticulous approach to high-profile proceedings.

The judgment will be delivered at the Lusaka Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 3rd September 2025, at 09:00 hrs.