KAMBWILI CONVICTED OF UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY

….as Lusaka Magistrates’ Court hands former Cabinet Minister one-year suspended sentenceTHE Lusaka Magistrates’ Court has convicted former Cabinet Minister Chishimba Kambwili of unlawful assembly and sentenced him to one year in prison, suspended.The conviction relates to an incident in January 2023 when youths reportedly gathered at Mr Kambwili’s residence in Lusaka’s Woodlands area to protest against the high cost of living.The State had accused Mr Kambwili of unlawfully assembling with other individuals, including businessman Charles Kakula, contrary to Section 74 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.The prosecution alleged that Mr Kambwili and others assembled in circumstances that amounted to unlawful conduct and a breach of the peace.Mr Kambwili and Mr Kakula initially denied the charge when they appeared before the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court in May 2023.However, in May 2024, the State discharged Mr Kakula from the proceedings, leaving Mr Kambwili to face the charge.In September 2025, Magistrate Kawana Mwamfuli ruled that Mr Kambwili had a case to answer and placed him on his defence after finding that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence requiring him to explain his position.The latest conviction adds to a series of legal battles involving the former minister, who has previously faced criminal proceedings over statements made during a radio programme and an immigration-related offence.In November 2023, Mr Kambwili was convicted over remarks concerning the Tonga-speaking community, a decision that was subsequently upheld by the Kasama High Court in July 2025.He was also fined K25,000 in June 2026 after being convicted of unlawfully crossing into Zimbabwe without completing immigration formalities.The latest ruling is expected to attract further political and public attention, particularly regarding the right to peaceful assembly and the application of public order laws in Zambia.

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