Key witness, Mwewa, clears ex-minister Kambwili in unlawful assembly case

Former Information Minister, Chishimba Kambwili, has breathed a sigh of relief after a key prosecution witness, social media blogger Simon Mwewa, testified that he should never have been charged with unlawful assembly.

Kambwili is facing charges related to an incident on January 26, 2023, in Lusaka. He was jointly charged with businessman Charles Kakula, who was separately accused of inciting racial hatred. Kakula was discharged in May 2024.

Testifying before Lusaka magistrate Kawama Mwamfuli, Mwewa—popularly known as Simon Mwewa Lane on social media—said he had been watching a livestream on the Smart Eagles Facebook page on the day of the incident.

“I saw a video of a young man, Charles Kakula, leading a group of youths outside Mr. Kambwili’s residence. They were singing in Bemba, saying, ‘You told us to get on a boat but we mounted a cow.’ I found that message inappropriate and not something we should promote online,” he said.

Mwewa told the court the group of about 10 youths later entered the premises, where Kambwili addressed them.

According to the witness, Kambwili immediately disapproved of the song’s lyrics and reprimanded Kakula, whom he identified as the group’s leader.

“Kambwili was not pleased. He made it clear to them—especially Kakula—that such messages were unacceptable. In my view, it was Kakula who was promoting tribal sentiments.”

Mwewa further testified that he reported the matter to Lusaka Central Police, naming Kakula—not Kambwili—as the subject of concern.

During cross-examination, Mwewa admitted he had not submitted the video footage to police or presented it in court. Nonetheless, he maintained that Kambwili had no case to answer.

“I don’t think Mr. Kambwili should be on trial, but Kakula,” he said.

The prosecution said two more witnesses are expected to testify. Magistrate Mwamfuli adjourned the matter to June 29 for continued trial.

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