Raphael Nakacinda Released From Prison After Completing 18 Month Sentence
Raphael Nakacinda is a free man again.
The former Patriotic Front (PF) Secretary General was released from Lusaka Correctional Centre, popularly known as Chimbokaila Prison, on October 21, 2026, after completing his prison sentence.
His release brings an end to an 18 month prison term stemming from a criminal defamation case involving President Hakainde Hichilema.
The case began with remarks Nakacinda made in December 2021, when he accused the President of interfering with the judiciary.
What led to his imprisonment?
On December 13, 2021, Nakacinda publicly alleged that President Hichilema was holding secret meetings with judges at his private residence.
He claimed the meetings were intended to influence court decisions against the PF and frustrate the party's legal battles.
The allegations came during a tense period when eight PF Members of Parliament were challenging the Speaker of the National Assembly's decision to expel them following the nullification of their seats.
Nakacinda's remarks led to him being charged with defaming the President.
On May 17, 2024, the Lusaka Magistrates' Court sentenced him to 18 months imprisonment with hard labour.
He challenged the conviction and sentence through the courts, but the Lusaka High Court upheld the ruling on October 21, 2025.
Following the decision, Nakacinda surrendered himself to authorities to begin serving his sentence.
How did he secure his release?
Nakacinda's legal team had previously indicated that his sentence was expected to end in October 2026 after the application of prison remission.
Remission allows eligible prisoners to serve a reduced period of their sentence, subject to applicable correctional rules.
His release on October 21, 2026, marks the completion of the 18 month term, following the application of remission.
However, Nakacinda has also faced other legal proceedings, including a separate six month sentence relating to tribal remarks, for which he was granted bail pending appeal.
He was also convicted of seditious practices in a separate case in August 2026.
His release from prison marks the completion of his main defamation sentence, but does not necessarily mean that every legal matter involving him has been concluded
