Ex-Soldier Jailed For Robbing Zambian Fishermen On Lake Kariba

Kariba Magistrates’ Court has convicted six men, among them a soldier, for their involvement in a robbery and kidnapping incident on Lake Kariba in December 2025.

The men – Criswell Kanyoka (26), a former soldier, Munashe Nyanye (25), Archford Mawiranhaka (36), Tanaka Tagara (23), Osamu Chawasiya Nhimura (30), and Joseph Mashakada (25) – were found guilty of assaulting three fishermen, stealing their phones and dried kapenta, and detaining them on Musampakaruma Island while demanding a ransom of 26,000 Zambian Kwacha.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), a joint security operation rescued the victims and recovered the stolen fishing rig, speedboat, vehicle, dried kapenta, and camouflage clothing used by the offenders.

Each man was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment for robbery and three years for kidnapping.

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