Again, CDP leader, Pule’s sedition trial stalls as defence pleads illness

Apostle Dan Pule slowly walked into the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court on Monday, but the long-awaited opening of his defence in a sedition case was postponed yet again—this time because he was declared unfit to stand trial.

The Christian Democratic Party president, through his lawyer Jack Mwaaba, informed the court that he was too ill to proceed, despite being physically present.

The case, before Magistrate Sylvia Munyinya, had been scheduled for the commencement of defence, with the State confirming its readiness. However, proceedings shifted when Mwaaba rose to apply for an adjournment, citing his client’s deteriorating health.

Presenting a medical report from the University Teaching Hospital, Mwaaba said Pule was medically incapacitated and unable to meaningfully participate in the trial.

“In as much as the accused is present before this honourable court, he is incapable of standing trial due to the medical illness outlined in the report,” Mwaaba said, adding that doctors had recommended four weeks of rest.

He urged the court to adjourn the matter to allow Pule time to recover and return fit for his defence.

The State did not object to the application, stating that it would not be in the interest of justice to continue.

“It is in the interest of justice that we do not oppose the application, as the accused remains unwell,” the prosecutor submitted.

After hearing both sides, Magistrate Munyinya briefly stood the matter down and summoned Pule and his defence team into chambers before delivering her ruling. The case was then adjourned to the following day, Tuesday.

Pule is facing sedition-related charges arising from remarks he allegedly made during a United Kwacha Alliance press briefing on May 8, 2024, in which he accused the government of favouring the Zambezi region—comprising Southern, North-Western and Western provinces—in public appointments.

The State argued that the comments were capable of inciting hostility among communities.

Pule has yet to respond to the allegations, with his defence once again delayed by illness.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.