By 
Mfuwe Patriotic Front (PF) Member of Parliament, Maureen Mabonga, has defended her alleged seditious remarks in the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court, stating they were a reaction to threats reportedly issued by United Party for National Development (UPND) cadres.
The threats allegedly included intentions to “circumcise Edgar Chagwa Lungu” and “deal with the PF.”
The defence team, led by Counsel Norman Siwila, successfully submitted Facebook videos as evidence, purportedly showing UPND cadres making the alleged threats.
The prosecution initially objected but was overruled, with the court admitting the videos under Section 9 of the relevant evidence act.
During her testimony, Mabonga explained that her statements, made during a press briefing, were intended to highlight incidents of violence and intimidation against PF members.
She cited the disappearance of PF member Jay Jay Banda and alleged threats against former President Lungu as context.
“I was responding to threats issued by UPND cadres from Western and Southern Provinces,” Mabonga said. “My intent was to bring these issues to the authorities’ attention, not to incite violence.”
Regarding her controversial remark, “You can kill me, but you cannot finish the Bembas and Easterners,” Mabonga clarified: “I aimed to highlight the threats and call for national attention, not to promote hostility. My intention was to protect the integrity of the affected groups.”
When accused of labeling UPND supporters as criminals, Mabonga said she was amplifying complaints from PF members who felt targeted.
“My words were not meant to incite division but to urge authorities to address these grievances,” she explained.
Read More: Mfuwe lawmaker, Mabonga, granted bail, as trial set for July 3
During cross-examination, Mabonga admitted to addressing the nation in May 2024 without first reporting the threats to police.
She also acknowledged that not all the UPND cadres’ statements were captured in the submitted videos.
The prosecution pressed her on whether her remarks could have fueled discontent among Bemba and Eastern communities.
Mabonga conceded the possibility but maintained that her intent was to raise awareness of the threats.
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