MANSA Subordinate Court yesterday has convicted and sentenced two former district commissioners and six co-accused individuals to five months in prison on a concurrent sentence, for illegal mining of sugilite and related offenses.
Robert Mutepuka, former District Commissioner for Nchelenge, and Morton Sikazwe, former District Commissioner for Mwansabombwe, were jointly charged with Jones Nkandu, Kelvin Mulenga, Masauso Jere, Obbrey Simauki, Mulenga Chilufya, and Joshua Chimuli.
The convictions were on three counts: illegal mining, conveying property reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained, and giving false information to a public officer.
For the first count of illegal mining, the court imposed a fine of K10,000 and a five-month imprisonment with hard labour on each accused person.
On the second count, a fine of K2,000 and five months imprisonment with hard labour were handed down.
The final count resulted in a fine of K600 and three months imprisonment with hard labour.
All imprisonment sentences are to run concurrently, meaning the convicts will serve the length of the longest single sentence imposed, effective July 24, 2025, while all fines are cumulative (they have to pay all the fines cited).
Among those convicted, Joshua Chimuli, Masauso Jere, and Kelvin Mulenga are identified as police officers stationed at Mansa Police Station.
Some of the other accused also held various government positions prior to the trial.
By Lucy Phiri
Kalemba July 25, 2025
