In the wake of the 3rd September 2025 convictions and the subsequent sentencing on 4th September, the learned Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mr. Gilbert A. Phiri SC, has filed a Notice of Appeal in the High Court against the sentences imposed on Joseph Malanji and Fredson Kango Yamba, as well as the acquittal of Mr. Malanji in Count Five, relating to the Royal Gibson Hotel.

On 3 September 2025, the Lusaka Subordinate Court convicted:

Fredson Kango Yamba on two counts of Willful Failure to Comply with the Law and Procedure relating to the Management of Public Property, contrary to Section 34(2)(b) of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012. He was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment with hard labour.

Joseph Malanji on seven counts of Possession of Property Reasonably Suspected of Being Proceeds of Crime, contrary to Section 71(1) of the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act No. 19 of 2010. He was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment with hard labour.
Mr. Malanji was acquitted on Count Five, which related to his possession of the Royal Gibson Hotel.

In the Notice of Appeal, the DPP has advanced the following grounds:

• That the trial court erred in law by imposing sentences that were inadequate, given the aggravating circumstances of the case.
  •That the trial court erred in law by acquitting Mr. Malanji in Count Five, citing a lack of articulable facts to support a finding of reasonable suspicion.
  •That additional grounds of appeal may be submitted upon full perusal of the judgment and the record of proceedings.

The matter has been filed in the Economic and Financial Crimes Division of the Subordinate Court of Zambia, in accordance with Sections 321A to 324 of the Criminal Procedure Code. Further updates will be issued in due course.