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UPND North-Western Province Youth Chairperson, Bruce Kanema, has denied claims that he was suspended from his party, telling the court that he remains in office despite a public statement to the contrary.
Kanema was testifying as the seventh state witness in the ongoing hate speech trial of Patriotic Front (PF) member Raphael Nakacinda, who is accused of making derogatory remarks against President Hakainde Hichilema and the people of Bweengwa.
Nakacinda allegedly referred to them as “ignorant,” comments which prosecutors say were inflammatory and capable of inciting division.
Read more: Detective testifies against PF’s Nakacinda in alleged hate speech case
Kanema dismissed UPND’s April 9, 2025 press statement announcing his indefinite suspension over alleged gross indiscipline and theft.
“I was never suspended,” he told the court, firmly maintaining that he still holds the position of Youth Chairman.
He testified that on April 21, 2022, he came across a Facebook livestream interview featuring Nakacinda, which he said was conducted by QFM.
Disturbed by the remarks, which he said were made in both Bemba and Tonga—languages he understands—Kanema said he and two others reported the incident to Solwezi Central Police, believing the comments amounted to hate speech.
“The interview lasted about three to four minutes. We submitted the video link to the police,” he said.
Under cross-examination, defence lawyers questioned Kanema’s political motivations and understanding of hate speech. When asked whether his loyalty to UPND influenced his complaint, he responded, “I can do everything for the party, as long as it is right.”
Pressed on the meaning of ignorance and whether being unfamiliar with certain facts could be considered hate speech, Kanema maintained that Nakacinda’s remarks were offensive and targeted the President’s ethnicity and origin.
Although he acknowledged not personally submitting the video in court, Kanema insisted the comments were demeaning and divisive.
Outside the courtroom, a brief standoff between PF and UPND supporters erupted, but police quickly intervened to restore calm.
During the heated court session, Kanema was also challenged on the legitimacy of his party position and an alleged incident involving an Asian businessman—both of which he denied.
The trial continues.
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