Nkana lawmaker, Mpundu’s sedition case adjourned to September

Nkana Member of Parliament, Binwell Mpundu, is still awaiting plea in his sedition case after the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court deferred proceedings to September, pending consent from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

When the matter came up before Chief Resident Magistrate, Davies Chibwili, on Monday, Mpundu explained that he had missed the previous sitting on July 28 due to illness but had since recovered.

Magistrate Chibwili later reallocated the case to Magistrate Webster Milumbe.

Mpundu, who is on police bond, appeared before Magistrate Milumbe with his legal team comprising Norman Siwila, Simon Mwila, and Celestine Mukandila.

The prosecution informed the court that the DPP’s written consent might be ready either on Thursday or Monday next week.

However, defence lawyer Siwila argued that it was uncertain whether the consent would be issued within the week and requested that the matter be set for September due to conflicting High Court commitments.

The court adjourned the case to September 16 for possible plea and mention.

Mpundu, 42, was arrested in Kalulushi on January 15, 2025, and is charged with seditious practices contrary to Section 57(1)(b), as read with Section 60(1)(i) of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

The charge alleges that on December 20, 2024, in Lusaka, Mpundu published seditious words on social media, urging fellow politicians to arm themselves for self-defence while accusing police of failing to act against political violence.

The State contends that his statement is likely to incite violence and disturb public order.

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.