Chama puts on 25kg during time in prison, out on bail
FORMER Defence Minister Davis Chama says he gained 25kg during the one year and 10 days he spent in prison, attributing the weight gain to being at peace despite maintaining a regular exercise routine.
Chama was yesterday among scores of former Cabinet ministers in the PF government who attended the late Mutotwe Kafwaya’s Funeral Church Service at Tabernacle of David Assembly in Lusaka.
Chama, who is out on bail pending the hearing of his appeal, spent one year and 10 days behind bars after he was convicted of shooting and wounding a UPND supporter, Mishaukwa Mishaukwa, in 2015.
In a statement, Chama maintained his innocence, saying he had never pointed a gun at a human being or an animal.
“I was in prison for one year, 10 days for a crime I have never committed. It’s alleged that I shot somebody on the 6th of June, 2015. In my life, I have never pointed a gun at any human being or an animal,” he said.
Chama said he applied for bail pending his appeal in 2025 and was subsequently granted bail by the Court of Appeal.
He said he remained at peace throughout his incarceration, first at Mongu Correctional Facility and later at Mwembeshi Correctional Facility.
“From the time I was sent to prison in Mongu and later transferred to Mwembeshi Correctional Facility, I was very much at peace from day one until the day of my release, to the extent that even though I was exercising a lot, I was gaining a lot of weight. I actually put on an extra 25kg of weight,” Chama said.
He attributed his peace of mind to what he described as a clear conscience.
“When my conscience is clear, I am very much at peace and I don’t worry about anything,” he said.
Chama also thanked his family and friends for visiting him in prison and providing financial and material support during his incarceration.
“I want to take this rare opportunity to sincerely thank all my family and friends who visited me whilst in prison, and many of you brought me financial and material support.
The Almighty God will surely reward and replenish your supplies,” he said.
Chama concluded by telling his supporters that they were free to comment on his experience, whether positively or negatively.
“For your information, you have the right to comment, positive or negative… Peace!” he said.
-TV Yatu | Noel Iyombwa | August 29, 2026.
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