M’membe to know fate November 6, as case on classified information referred to high court

The Lusaka Magistrate Court has been asked to refer to the High Court the matter in which Socialist Party leader, Fred M’membe, is charged with disseminating inciting messages.

Defence lawyer, Tim Munalula on Monday, applied that Magistrate Irene Wishimanga should refer the case to the High Court citing section 11 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

“As the law provides, this court lacks jurisdiction hence pray that it refers to the High Court,” he submitted.

However, the State asked for an adjournment for enough time to respond to the application.

The defence objected to the adjournment and demanded that the State responded immediately.

Magistrate Wishimanga, however, granted the State their prayer and adjourned to November 6, 2023 for mention and possible plea.

M’membe with other unknown persons were reported to have received classified information that the Chairperson of the Central Joint Operations Committee had been changed.

He then posted the information on July 21, 2023 on the Facebook page called FRED M’MEMBE, an act that contravenes the State Security Act.

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