By 
Former Finance Minister, Dr Katele Kalumba, took slow, measured steps into the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court, leaning on a walker and attracting the attention of onlookers as he made his way into the courtroom.
The 74-year-old former minister later told the court that his spine was failing him as the magistrate considered whether he could remain standing during proceedings.
“My spine is failing me,” Dr Kalumba said. The court then allowed him to sit.
Dr Kalumba, of Tambolola Palace in Chienge and traditional leader of Sub-Chief Matende of Walushiba, was before the court for plea on two counts of sedition.
However, the plea could not proceed because the State was awaiting consent from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
State prosecutor Samuel Zulu told the court that the matter was scheduled for plea but could not proceed, and sought an adjournment to obtain consent from the DPP.
Defence lawyer Weluzani Zulu did not object to the adjournment.
The charge alleges that between August 1 and 13, 2026, at an unknown place in Zambia, Dr Kalumba uttered seditious words on his Facebook page concerning President Hakainde Hichilema.
The State alleges that Dr Kalumba, in a video message posted two days before the elections, accused the President of responsibility for what he described as abductions, deaths and strangulations, and warned that “hell will break loose” if the election was rigged.
Dr Kalumba told the court that he had been asked to report to Chienge Police Station on September 23 by heavily armed police officers, who told him he was wanted over alleged hate speech.
He said he was later arrested in Kabwe and charged with one count of seditious practices.
When asked whether he understood the charge, Dr Kalumba responded: “Yes, I have.”
The court, however, declined to take his plea until DPP consent is obtained.
The matter has been adjourned to October 15 for mention, pending the DPP’s consent.
The court also indicated that his bail application could be considered after plea.
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