By 
Joseph Chishimba sat quietly in the dock on Thursday, opting to remain silent moments after the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court ruled that he must enter his defence in a case where he is accused of cyberbullying presidential advisor, Chipokota Mwanawasa, by alleging she was impregnated by President Hakainde Hichilema.
The Jack Compound businessman showed little reaction as Principal Resident Magistrate, Idah Phiri, delivered her ruling, saying the State had provided sufficient evidence requiring him to respond to the charge.
“I have carefully looked at the evidence and I find that a prima facie case was made out against the accused, and I place him on his defence,” Magistrate Phiri said.
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Chishimba is charged with one count of publication of information contrary to Section 54 of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act No. 2 of 2021.
The charge arises from a Facebook screenshot he allegedly shared in a WhatsApp group—content the State argues was capable of causing reputational harm and threatening the safety of Chipo Mwanawasa, daughter of the late third Republican President Levy Patrick Mwanawasa.
His lawyer, Kelvin Fube, told the court that Chishimba had elected to remain silent in his defence, as permitted by law.
However, the defence intends to call one witness.
The matter has been adjourned to January 15, 2025, for defence.
Chishimba has pleaded not guilty. The case has drawn considerable public interest due to its implications for the limits of online speech and enforcement of Zambia’s cyber laws.
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