Nkana lawmaker, Mpundu, misses court over sedition case, claims illness

Nkana Member of Parliament, Binwell Mpundu, on Monday failed to appear before the Lusaka Magistrate’s Court, where he was expected to take plea in a case of alleged seditious practices.

The matter, which had been allocated to Resident Magistrate Davies Chibwili, could not proceed after the defence informed the court that the accused was unwell.

“My client is not in court because he is reported to be unwell,” defence lawyer Newman Siwila said, adding, “However, his surety is present to give an explanation.”

Kamfinsa MP, Christopher Kang’ombe, who appeared as one of the sureties, confirmed Mpundu’s absence and presented a medical note from Kitwe Teaching Hospital.

“I’m one of those who signed as sureties for the accused. He is not here because he is unwell. I have a sick note in support,” Kang’ombe told the court.

Magistrate Chibwili, after examining the sick note, observed that while it lacked detail, he would give the accused the benefit of the doubt.

“I have had a look at the sick note and, though it does not tell me much, I’m giving the accused the benefit of the doubt,” the magistrate said, before adjourning the matter to August 18, 2025, for plea.

Mpundu is facing a charge of seditious practices, contrary to Section 57(1)(b) as read with Section 60(1)(i) of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

The charge is from a Facebook post allegedly published on December 20, 2024, in which Mpundu is accused of urging fellow politicians to arm themselves for self-defence following an alleged attack on opposition party leader, Sean Tembo.

In the post, Mpundu allegedly stated: “DEFEND YOURSELVES WITH EQUAL MEASURE… I urge my fellow politicians to buy guns in readiness to defend yourselves… if the police will watch you being attacked… then only one thing remains — BE READY TO DEFEND YOURSELVES. May God save Zambia.”

The State alleges that the statement was intended to incite violence or provoke public disorder.

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