By 
A cloud of uncertainty briefly hung over the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday when reports emerged that Bishop John General, real name John Nundwe, had allegedly collapsed and been rushed to Matero Level One Hospital a day before he was expected to return for continued trial.
The courtroom, already braced for another tense session in the rape case against the self-styled clergyman, shifted into subdued murmurs as one of his sureties stepped forward to explain his absence.
Nundwe is accused of raping a married congregant who had sought spiritual support after suffering multiple miscarriages.
The allegations include a dramatic escape attempt in which he is said to have jumped over a wall fence naked after the woman’s husband allegedly found him in the act.
When the matter was called, State prosecutor Milambo Sinyangwe indicated readiness to proceed but noted that the accused was conspicuously missing.
Defence lawyer, Yokonia Daka, also confirmed that the defence was ready but had just received unexpected information.
His client, he said, had collapsed on Tuesday and had a medical note accounting for his absence.
The 53-year-old surety from Matero, who serves as Coordinator General at Miracle Impact Ministries International Church, took the stand looking visibly concerned.
“I am one of the sureties,” she said. “The accused hasn’t been well. Yesterday he felt weak and dizzy, and suddenly he collapsed.
We rushed him to Matero Level One Hospital, where he was attended to and given a sick note.”
The State raised no objection after examining the medical document.
In her ruling, Magistrate Amy Masoja noted that Nundwe had attended all previous sittings and that this first absence—supported by a medical explanation—warranted leniency.
She excused the accused and adjourned the matter to January 20, 2026, for continued trial.
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