In a surprising turn of events, a judge has overturned a six-month jail sentence imposed on vlogger Simon Mwelwa Chitambala, who was previously convicted for maliciously deflating the tires of a minibus parked near his establishment. High Court Judge Ian Mabbolobbolo ruled that Chitambala will now only be required to pay a K6000 fine for his actions.In his judgment, Judge Mabbolobbolo deemed the original sentence handed down by Magistrate Fine Mayambu as excessive. He stated, “The appellant [Mr. Mwewa] shall pay a fine of K6000 within five days; in default of payment, he will serve three months of simple imprisonment from the date of default.” The judge emphasized that the previous custodial sentence was not aligned with the principles of sentencing established in existing legal precedents. While he maintained the conviction, he noted, “For the avoidance of doubt, the conviction of the appellant stands, but the custodial sentence of six months simple imprisonment is set aside.”Chitambala was charged with malicious damage to property after he allegedly deflated the tires of Ricky Nyimbili’s minibus, which was improperly parked on Kalusha Bwalya Road last June. The incident led to his conviction despite his denial of the charges. Magistrate Mayambu had expressed disappointment at Chitambala’s actions, suggesting they did not reflect the expected behavior of someone of his standing in society. However, Chitambala appealed this decision, arguing that the sentence was disproportionate given the nature of the offense and his status as a first-time offender.As a well-known figure in media, often critiquing others, Chitambala’s conviction remains, but the reduction in his sentence has spared him the immediate consequences of incarceration.