The Nakonde Magistrate Court has convicted a Lusaka-based traditionalist, Mathias Sichalwe, and 14 others for criminal trespass.
Sichlwe and his accomplice were convicted for trespassing at the palace of Chieftainess Waitwika of the Namwanga people in Nakonde District of Muchinga Province.
All 15 pleaded guilty to entering the royal residence without lawful authority and with intent to challenge the chieftainess’s position.
Delivering judgment, Nakonde Senior Resident Magistrate, Ethel Phiri, fined Sichalwe, who was heading the group, K10,000 or face three months’ simple imprisonment in default.
The other 14 convicts were each fined K1,500, or in default face three months’ simple imprisonment
The Senior Resident Magistrate also ordered that the convicts pay the fine immediately.
She observed that while the accused were first offenders who entered guilty pleas and did not prolong proceedings, the offence was serious.
The Magistrate stated that the group had taken the law into their own hands instead of following established legal and customary procedures.
She emphasized that disputes concerning traditional leadership are to be addressed through the relevant institutions and cannot be resolved by unlawful entry into a palace.
In mitigation, the convicts expressed remorse and asked for leniency.
Sichalwe submitted that he was not aware that the group’s conduct constituted a criminal offence and gave assurances that they would not repeat it.
He further stated that imprisonment would have adverse consequences on their dependents.
“I am asking for forgiveness. I did not know that going to the palace without permission is an offence. I have a wife, biological children and orphans who will suffer if I am convicted”, Mr Sichalwe said.
Criminal trespass is classified as a misdemeanor under Zambian law, with a maximum penalty of three months’ imprisonment.
The charge arises from an incident on June 22, 2026, when Sichalwe and the others went to the Chieftainess’s palace and allegedly attempted to take over the Namwanga throne.
The other convict are William Sichalwe, Nkumbu Sichalwe, Adam Sichalwe, Wema Sichalwe, James Sichalwe, Joe Sichalwe, Fred Sichalwe, Philip Sichalwe, Raphael Sichalwe, Levy Sichalwe, Linstone Sichalwe, Emmanuel Sichalwe, Amos Sichalwe, and Pijo Sichalwe.
This is not Mr Sichalwe’s first conviction linked to the same chieftaincy as in 2024, he was convicted of conduct likely to cause a breach of peace after issuing a 30-day ultimatum for Chieftainess Waitwika to vacate the throne.
He received a one-month simple prison sentence and a K24 fine in that case.
