Nawakwi: Continued absence in court triggers warning to sureties Chisopa, Chonde

Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) president, Edith Nawakwi, remains unwell and was absent from court again on Thursday, prompting the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court to issue a stern warning to her sureties—Mkushi MP Davies Chisopa and Milenge MP Gystave Chonde—for failing to appear and explain her continued absence.

Nawakwi, who was scheduled to open her defense, did not show up, leading Principal Resident Magistrate Ireen Wishimanga to question the commitment of her sureties.

Expressing frustration, Magistrate Wishimanga warned that the MPs’ failure to fulfill their legal obligations would not be tolerated.

The state informed the court that the matter had been set for defense, but the accused was absent.

Defense lawyer, Tresford Chali, explained that Nawakwi’s sureties were in their constituencies and on their way to court.

He also stated that he had personally checked on Nawakwi and confirmed that she remained unwell.

However, Magistrate Wishimanga was not satisfied, questioning whether the MPs had forgotten their duties as sureties.

She reminded the defense that their primary obligation was to the court.

When Chali further explained that one surety was stuck in Luano, the magistrate remarked that they should have at least sent a representative.

Following an apology from the defense, she issued a warning, making it clear that such negligence would not be tolerated in future proceedings.

Nawakwi, 63, is facing two counts of seditious practices, accused of making inflammatory remarks in Lusaka between May 25 and May 28, 2024.

The prosecution alleged that she publicly urged Zambians to hold President Hakainde Hichilema accountable for the alleged abduction of former Petauke MP Jay Jay Banda, drawing comparisons to past authoritarian regimes.

According to the prosecution, Nawakwi stated: “We are not going to live in a country like that of Idi Amin… You wake up one night and find my brother Wezi is murdered. We cannot keep mourning while people disappear.”

The case has been adjourned to March 19, with Magistrate Wishimanga warning that the sureties must be present—no excuses.

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