Congolese Pastor Sentenced to 15 Years for Smuggling Seven Illegal Immigrants Into Zambia

A 56-year-old Congolese pastor has been sentenced to 15 years in prison with hard labour after being convicted of smuggling seven people into Zambia through the Mokambo Border Post. According to the Zambia Daily Mail, Charles Wilenga, a Congolese national, was convicted by the Ndola High Court on one count of illegal entry into Zambia […]

A 56-year-old Congolese pastor has been sentenced to 15 years in prison with hard labour after being convicted of smuggling seven people into Zambia through the Mokambo Border Post.

According to the Zambia Daily Mail, Charles Wilenga, a Congolese national, was convicted by the Ndola High Court on one count of illegal entry into Zambia and seven counts of smuggling persons.

The court heard that Wilenga entered Zambia through the Mokambo border without lawful authority on an unknown date between September 18 and September 20, 2025.

On September 20, 2025, he was also found to have smuggled seven people into Zambia through the same border crossing.

The seven people were identified as Steve Magambo, Amani Badesire Blaise, Benedicte Bulonza, Helen Kinja Birembano, Josephat Mosengo Binja, Josephat Biluge Mosengo and Joachim Ahana Mosengo.

During the proceedings, the court heard that some of the people Wilenga had brought into Zambia were his own children.
Looking for the latest sports odds and markets? Check them out here.
Wilenga initially denied the charges when he first appeared before the court for plea. The matter was later referred to the High Court for sentencing and mitigation after the lower court was found not to have jurisdiction to handle the case.

In mitigation, Wilenga’s lawyers asked the court to show him leniency, arguing that he was a family man whose imprisonment would leave his family suffering.

However, passing sentence, Judge Mwape Bowa said Zambia enjoyed friendly relations with neighbouring countries and that such relations should not be compromised.

For the illegal-entry offence, Judge Bowa fined Wilenga K8,000, payable immediately, with six months’ imprisonment with hard labour in default of payment.

For each of the seven counts of smuggling persons, the judge imposed 15 years’ imprisonment with hard labour.

The seven prison sentences will run concurrently, meaning Wilenga will effectively serve 15 years in prison rather than consecutive terms.

Judge Bowa also informed Wilenga that he has the right to appeal against the sentence within 14 days if he is dissatisfied with the court’s decision.

The case highlights the seriousness with which Zambian authorities and the courts treat illegal entry and the smuggling of persons through the country’s borders.
🔥 Ready for the next match? Check out the latest football odds and available markets here — 18+ | Gamble responsibly.