INDEPENDENT Lumezi constituency member of parliament Munir Zulu has been given an opportunity by the Lusaka Magistrates Court to free himself from trouble by proving that President Hakainde Hichilema was going to call for an early poll upon dissolving parliament.
Senior resident magistrate Trevor Kasanda put Zulu on his defense upon establishing that there was overwhelming evidence produced by the State against him that requires him to exculpate himself.
In this matter Zulu is charged with Seditious practices contrary to Section 57(1)(b) as read with Section 60(1)(e) of the Penal Code chapter 87 of the Zambian laws.
It is alleged that the law maker on September 6, 2023 uttered seditious remarks when he alleged that he had reliable information that President Hakainde Hichilema who was scheduled to address the nation in the third session of the thirteenth National Assembly on September 8, 2023, would dissolve parliament and call for an early election.
It is alleged that Zulu’s utterances were calculated to incite violence or any offence prejudicial to public order in disturbance of public peace when he alerted Zambians to prepare for campaigns following the dissolution of parliament.
In his testimony, Lukundo Siame who is the arresting officer in the matter said dissolution of parliament is not seditious practice.
In cross examination Siame said Zulu’s utterances were considered criminal when he informed the public that he was reliably informed that the President would dissolve parliament but the same did not happen.
Following the closure of the State’s case magistrate Kasanda found Zulu with a case to answer.
“Based on the evidence adduced by the State, I am satisfied that a prima facie case has been established against the accused and I hereby place him on his defense. He may be informed of his rights,”said magistrate Kasanda.
Zulu’s lawyer Mcqueen Zaza informed the Court that his client will give evidence on oath and will call two witnesses.
Magistrate Kasanda adjourned the case to May 30 , June 3 and 4, for defense.
By Mwaka Ndawa
Kalemba April 18, 2024.
