By 
Independent Lumezi Member of Parliament, Munir Zulu, stunned the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court on Monday with claims that fugitive Emmanuel Jay Banda, the former Petauke MP, is in good health and will testify as a defense witness in his trial.
Zulu revealed that he has maintained regular communication with Banda, who is on the police wanted list, and alleged that his life is now under threat because certain individuals believe Banda had shared details of his abduction with him.
“I must mention that Jay Jay Banda is one of our defense witnesses, and he has recovered,” Zulu told the court.
The case centers on Zulu’s alleged seditious practices, accusing the state of being complicit in Banda’s abduction. Zulu, who was presenting his defense before Magistrate Faides Hamaundu, denied the charges.
Zulu explained that his public call for President Hakainde Hichilema to locate Banda stemmed from Banda’s business dealings with Levy Ngoma, a State House aide.
He claimed that Ngoma had used Banda’s trucks for transporting goods from Lusaka to the Eastern Province, creating a connection to the presidency.
“I had mentioned that myself and Nkana Independent MP Binwell Mpundu were targeted by the State,” Zulu said, arguing that he and Mpundu are being persecuted for speaking out against injustices.
Zulu stressed that his statements were not meant to incite violence or promote regional divisions but rather to urge the government to ensure fair application of the law.
He cited several cases, including the murder of Kungo in Northwestern Province and Banda’s abduction, where he alleged selective enforcement of justice.
“I have never called for violence or regional divisions. My intention was to call for the government to apply the rule of law fairly,” Zulu asserted.
During cross-examination, prosecutors challenged Zulu over a statement in Count 2 where he allegedly declared Eastern Province a “no-go area” for certain tribes.
Zulu denied making such a declaration and maintained that his words were taken out of context.
He further accused the state of arresting those who speak out against violence while protecting the perpetrators, highlighting the unresolved case of Banda’s abduction.
Zulu concluded his defense by asserting that his call for the president to find Banda “dead or alive” was made out of concern for justice and was not intended as a threat.
The case continues.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments