Why judgment in case of unlawful assembly against EFF leader, Mwenda, was deferred

Lusaka Magistrate, Amy Masoja, has once again postponed judgment in a case involving Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party leader, Kasonde Mwenda, and 13 others charged with unlawful assembly, this time due to another medical excuse from one of the accused.

The verdict, originally scheduled for delivery, was put off after Magistrate Masoja was informed that accused person, Ibrahim Mwamba, was absent on medical grounds.

Milenge Member of Parliament, Saka Chonde, who is standing surety for Mwamba, produced a medical note indicating that his nephew was being treated for an eye infection.

This marked the second time the judgment has been deferred on account of health-related absences among the accused.

At the previous sitting, the court faced a similar setback when a different accused individual was reportedly unwell.

In setting a new date for judgment, Magistrate Masoja expressed hope that all 14 accused would be fit to attend proceedings when the matter returns on August 20, 2025.

Mwenda and his co-accused were arrested on March 10, 2023, at the Lusaka Civic Centre where they allegedly gathered unlawfully with intent to disturb public peace.

Prosecutors further allege that after being detained at Lusaka Central Police Station, Mwenda escaped from lawful custody, a separate charge the court is also expected to rule on.

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