The Thyolo Magistrate’s Court has found James Kambela, 42, who is also Village Headman Naphiyo II, guilty of abuse of office, contrary to Section 25B(1) of the Corrupt Practices Act.

The case, which was prosecuted by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), revealed that in 2022, Chief Naphiyo II collected money from about 40 villagers in his area under the pretext that they would be included on a list to buy subsidized farm inputs.

According to evidence presented in court, the chief told villagers that besides paying K30,000 for two bags of fertilizer, they also had to pay an extra K10,000 as a “top-up” fee.

After complaints from some villagers, the fee was later reduced to K5,000.

Despite denying the charges, the court heard testimony from seven prosecution witnesses who confirmed that the chief indeed collected the money.

Delivering her ruling, Magistrate Samai Uthman Muhammad said the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.

“The court is satisfied that the accused used his office for personal gain at the expense of his subjects,”
said Magistrate Muhammad.

She further ordered that the K200,000 collected from the villagers, which is currently held by the state, be returned to the rightful owners.

 “The money that was collected must be refunded to the victims,”
the magistrate directed.

The magistrate has since set 19 November 2025 as the date for sentencing, when the full judgment and possible penalties will be delivered.

ACB prosecutor Moses Mchacha welcomed the decision, describing it as “a strong warning to all public officers and traditional leaders who might be tempted to misuse their positions.”

“Abuse of office, in whatever form, undermines trust in leadership. This conviction sends a message that no one is above the law,” said Mchacha.