The Zambia Correctional Service (ZCS) has clarified that claims of mishandling Jason Simbeye’s release are false, stating that his freedom followed a lawful court acquittal and was not the result of a presidential pardon, administrative error, or escape.
The statement comes after media reports suggested that Simbeye’s release exposed institutional failure within ZCS and questioned its legality.
ZCS Public Relations Officer, Cornelius Mwanza, said that Simbeye was admitted to custody on July 23, 2022, following his conviction for aggravated robbery by the High Court at Chinsali, where he was sentenced to death under Criminal Case No. HE/82/2021. Simbeye was initially arrested after he reportedly participated in a robbery incident in which cash and property were unlawfully taken from victims in Mushindano District.
“At no point did the convict escape or was he released unlawfully,” Mwanza emphasized.
He explained that on August 20, 2025, the Court of Appeal of Zambia, sitting in Ndola, quashed Simbeye’s conviction, set aside the death sentence, and formally acquitted him. Upon receiving the binding court order, ZCS had no legal basis to continue holding him in custody.
Mwanza clarified that the release was not a presidential pardon, administrative amnesty, or sentence remission. “He was acquitted by a court of competent jurisdiction. Any suggestion that ZCS acted improperly in releasing him is factually incorrect and legally uninformed,” he said.
ZCS further noted that any actions by Simbeye following his acquittal fall entirely outside the mandate of the service and extended condolences to families affected by the incidents in Mushindano District.
Mwanza urged media houses, online publications, and content creators to verify information through official channels before publication, warning that unverified claims can damage public trust.
“The Zambia Correctional Service remains fully committed to its constitutional mandate and to transparency in all its dealings,” he added.
Who is he? Why the spotlight on him?