Tembo, leader of Patriots for Economic Progress, denies allegations of insulting Hichilema

Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP) president, Sean Tembo, has denied insulting Zambia’s Republican President, Hakainde Hichilema.

Tembo is facing two counts of use of insulting language contrary to Section 179 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

Appearing before Lusaka Chief Resident Magistrate, Davies Chibwili, the opposition leader pleaded not guilty to both counts.

Magistrate Chibwili adjourned the matter to March 28, 2024, for commencement of trial.

It had been alleged that Tembo on August 27, 2023 in Lusaka used insulting language to which he said, “Bally apa akangiwa kuipa. But mu 2026 ngati bantu bafuna kuvotela chipuba chinangu, its fine, SET can wait for 2031.

In the second count, allegations are that Tembo, on October 17, in Lusaka, did use insulting language to which he said “Bally is selling a few bags of ZNS mealie meal using Shoprite, hoping to create a perception of low price is equal masturbation”. The words reportedly referred to the President.

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.