By 
Patriotic Front (PF) faction Secretary-General, Raphael Nakacinda, will call eight witnesses in his defence after the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court ruled that he had a case to answer in a sedition charge.
Nakacinda is accused of alleging that President Hakainde Hichilema ordered security agencies to raid the residence of former President Edgar Lungu in Chifwema, a claim the State says was intended to incite public unrest.
Chief Resident Magistrate Davies Chibwili ruled that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to place Nakacinda on trial.
Read more: Nakacinda defends ex-Lusaka minister, Lusambo, says he had wealth before government role
“The gist of the case is that the accused went on radio and alleged that the Head of State had directed law enforcement agencies to search the former President’s residence. What I need to determine is whether those words were seditious and capable of inciting people against Government,” Magistrate Chibwili said.
Eight witnesses, including heads of law enforcement agencies such as the Zambia Police, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), and Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), testified for the prosecution.
Magistrate Chibwili said the remarks carried sufficient weight to warrant a trial.
“I find that the prosecution had reason to charge the accused and sufficient evidence has been adduced. I therefore place him on his defence,” he ruled.
Nakacinda will give sworn evidence and call eight witnesses in his defence.
His lawyer, Muleza Chongola, informed the court that the defence team would file the witness list in due course.
The matter has been adjourned to October 2, 2025, for the opening of Nakacinda’s defence.
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.
Comments