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Civil rights activist, Brebner Changala, is expected to open his defence on May 13, 2026, after the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court accepted medical evidence confirming that he was genuinely unwell during his previous failure to appear.
A dramatic turn unfolded in court when a doctor’s testimony shielded Changala from possible contempt proceedings.
His absence had prompted Chief Resident Magistrate Davies Chibwili to summon a medical officer from Kafue District Hospital to verify the seven-day sick note issued to the accused.
Taking the stand under oath, Dr. Ngosa Saili told the court that he attended to Changala during a night shift on Tuesday.
“I evaluated him and gave him seven days off based on the condition he presented and the tests I had requested,” Dr Saili testified, adding that the temporary medical record had been given to the patient, as is standard procedure, leaving no copy at the hospital.
The court had initially questioned the authenticity of the medical excuse, noting repeated delays in the matter, which has dragged for 18 months since Changala was found with a case to answer.
Magistrate Chibwili stressed that the court needed concrete verification to justify the accused’s absence from the March 25 hearing.
But after hearing the doctor’s evidence, the court accepted the explanation and ruled that Changala’s non-attendance was justified.
The case was adjourned to May 13, 2026, when Changala is expected to open his defence.
He faces a charge of seditious practices linked to remarks he allegedly made in May 2024, accusing the government of using state machinery to suppress opposition voices following the disappearance of former Emmanuel Jay Banda, the independent member of Parliament for Petauke.
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