Trial stalls in Munir’s defamation case, as govt not ready with documents

Trial has failed to commence at the Lusaka magistrate court in a matter in which Independent Member of Parliament for Lumezi Constituency, Munir Zulu, is facing charges of defamation against two members of Parliament.

In this matter, Zulu is facing three counts of Libel Contrary to Section 191 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia the charges he denied.

When the matter came up for commencement of trial on Thursday before chief resident magistrate, Davies Chibwili, the state informed the court that they were not ready to proceed because they failed to have the documents they wanted the witness to refer to in the matter.

“We have one witness but unable to commence trial today. We have failed to have the documents we wanted the witness to refer to. Without them, we are not able to commence. We seek for an adjournment for us to reorganise,” state submitted.

Read more: Munir Zulu tells court that fugitive ex-political advisor, Zulu, can be produced for court processes

The defense Lawyers did not object to the application and the court adjourned the matter to September 20, for commencement of trial.

It is alleged in count one that Zulu on March 21, 2023 in Lusaka, with intent to defame, unlawfully did publish defamatory matters against Situmbeko Musokotwane by way of a press conference in which he alleged that Musokotwane corruptly received money amounting to US$250,000.00 through a bank transfer from unknown company.

In count two, it is alleged that on March 21, 2023 in Lusaka, with intent to defame, unlawfully did publish defamatory matters against Charles Milupi by way of a press conference in which he alleged that Milupi corruptly received money amounting to US$250,000.00 through a bank transfer from unknown company.

It is alleged in the last count that Zulu on March 21, 2023 in Lusaka, with intent to defame, unlawfully did publish defamatory matters against Mulchad Kuntawala by way of a press conference in which Zulu alleged that Kuntawala corruptly sent money amounting to US$150,000.00 to Milupi two days before the appointment as a board chairman for Road Development Agency (RDA).

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