A 45 year-old police officer, Andy Tilimboyi of Chalala, has been sentenced to six months imprisonment with hard labour for deserting the Zambia Police Service.
Mr Tilimboyi pleaded guilty to the charge of desertion contrary to Section 26(1)(d) of the Laws of Zambia.
The particulars of the offence state that on unknown dates between 4th March 2023 and 3rd June 2024, Mr Tilimboyi being a police officer, deserted the service for over 20 days.
In mitigation, Mr Tilimboyi’s defence lawyer highlighted that he is a first time offender who regretted his actions, which had affected his family.
As the breadwinner, he asked for forgiveness from the court and his employers, stating that the conviction had resulted in the loss of his pensionable job.
 He pleaded for a second chance to start his life afresh and continue supporting his family.
Mr Tilimboyi told the court that his time in prison had made him reflect on his actions, and he promised never to repeat the mistake and asked for maximum leniency.
Magistrate Webster Milumbe considered the mitigation, noting that Mr Tilimboyi did not waste the court’s time and had learnt from his actions.
The Magistrate sentenced him to six months imprisonment with hard labour, effective from 20th January 2026, the day of his arrest.
Can any Zambian tell me if they have ever seen policemen exercising after having left Lilayi?
I don’t think they do any running after graduation. They look so unfit
The magistrate should have taken into account the fact that police force is too corrupt for any straight person to work there. Righteous people will always desert ZP because they don’t want to be forced to commit sins under the guise of serving this corrupt nation. Politicians interfere too much in police work.