GBM MAY DIE IN JAIL
…as his lawyers express concern over his deteriorating health
December 17, 2024. Lusaka
Incarcerated former Defence Minister Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba’s lawyers say their client may die in custody if the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court continue denying him bail pending appeal over his conviction and sentencing.
One of Mr Mwamba’s lawyers, Charles Changano expressed worry that the former Cabinet minister is being denied bail over unclear legal technicalities.
According to Mr Changano, the Magistrates’ Court has denied to issue bail on the basis that the document has not been typed yet to warrant being taken to the High Court.
From this complication, Mr Changano says his client, popularly know as GBM, may be in custody going into 2025 and that his health may deteriorate further.
“God forbid…he may die because his legs are swollen. We have to change the law so that even if a document is not typed, a convict can be given bail pending appeal,” he told journalists at the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court.
GBM also served as UPND vice president to President Hakainde Hichilema for a long time when the ruling party was still in opposition and he influenced the Notherners and Luapula to join the UPND.
Mr Mwamba was in October this year convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment with hard labour of 13 counts of conflict of interest, possession of money deemed proceeds of crime and money laundering by the Lusaka Magistrate’s Court.
Mbili Reports:
GBM MAY DIE IN JAIL
