Zambia World Wide

I recently met a young American peace corp worker who is close to completing a project in Malawi. Of course Zambia came into the conversation and I noted her change in voice tone.

Much later I learnt from her that having planned a stopover in Lusaka she and her female friend were arrested outside Lusaka airport terminal building for smoking outside the building.  They were agressively taken to an office inside the terminal building and "interviewed" individually. They were both told that a 2 year prison sentence was mandatory and would be enforced but after about 30 minutes or so it was suggested that an arrangement could  made ............... and perhaps prison could be avoided. Even retelling these events 2-3 months later brought her to tears

Neither girl was new to Africa and voices were raised on both sides.  Just as the officer showed signs of violence a female Zambian police office (Assume of some rank) came to see what was happening - she tore a strip off the officer and escorted both girls plus luggage out of the terminal building.

Both young ladies will see their project through in Malawi but neither will ever set foot on Zambian soil again. They took the next flight out at considerable expense. Is this a "One off"  and is smoking not allowed outside the terminal building.? If so given the normal "long haul"  smokers first priority the prisons would be full!!   I find the whole incident very sad