Drama at Lusaka court as two re-arrested after pleading not guilty over alleged political violence

The re-arrest of two suspected political cadres moments after they pleaded not guilty before the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday drew the attention of lawyers, relatives and court users as armed officers swiftly moved in, handcuffed them and bundled them into an open police vehicle.

Peter Kashala, popularly known as Peter Ma Chain, and Joel Nyondo, alias Joe Black Apple, had just appeared alongside 12 co-accused persons facing charges linked to alleged political violence in Chawama when officers moved in and whisked them away shortly after the court session ended.

Earlier, the 14 accused persons denied six counts of criminal trespass, malicious damage to property and assault on a police officer.

Read more: 14 suspected cadres granted K50,000 bail each in UPND office trespass case

The accused were initially facing four counts, but the State successfully applied to substitute the indictment and add two more charges, bringing the total number of counts to six.

Last week, the court granted each accused person bail of K50,000 in their own recognisance pending trial.

According to the amended indictment, the accused allegedly unlawfully entered United Party for National Development (UPND) premises at various locations in Chawama and committed acts of criminal trespass.

They are further accused of damaging tables and chairs and entering UPND Ward 3 premises with intent to intimidate Godfrey Chitalu.

The group also faces a charge of assaulting Constable Lungu during the alleged disturbances.

When the amended charges were read out, all 14 accused persons pleaded not guilty.

Trial is expected to commence on July 13 and 15, 2026.

Meanwhile, the swift re-arrest and removal of Kashala and Nyondo from the court premises became the main talking point among onlookers, overshadowing the day’s proceedings.

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.