By 
Former Lumezi Member of Parliament, Munir Zulu, has filed a fresh application for bail in the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court as he appeals his 12-month jail sentence for criminal libel.
Currently held at Lusaka Central Correctional Facility, Zulu is challenging his conviction, arguing that it is legally flawed and that his appeal has strong prospects of success.
In an affidavit filed before the court, Zulu said: “I intend to appeal against the judgment dated April 2025 and have since filed my notice of intention.”
The former lawmaker, known for his outspoken public statements, emphasized that the offence of criminal libel is bailable, and keeping him in custody during the appeal would be unjust.
His legal team contended that Zulu may serve a substantial portion of his sentence before the High Court hears the appeal, which could render any eventual ruling in his favor ineffective.
Zulu further argued that Chief Resident Magistrate Davies Chibwili erred both in law and fact by convicting him despite what he described as “insufficient evidence.”
He claimed the allegedly defamatory remarks were made within Parliament, where speech was constitutionally protected under parliamentary privilege.
Among the ten grounds of appeal, Zulu also asserted that the court overreached its jurisdiction by making a ruling on a matter he believes falls under constitutional law, outside the purview of the magistrate’s court.
He pointed to the prosecution’s failure to call key complainants and said there was no formal complaint lodged in relation to one of the charges—allegedly undermining the case’s validity.
Through his lawyers, Zulu assured the court of his cooperation if granted bail, stating he would provide traceable sureties and attend all required proceedings.
Zulu was convicted for defaming Infrastructure and Urban Development Minister Charles Milupi, Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane, and Road Development Agency (RDA) board chairperson Mulchand Kuntawala.
The case stems from a March 21, 2023, press conference in which Zulu alleged that the trio received bribes to award the Lusaka-Ndola Dual Carriageway project tender.
He claimed that Musokotwane and Milupi each received US$250,000, with Milupi allegedly receiving an additional US$150,000 from Kuntawala.
The court is yet to rule on his bail application.
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