Lawmaker Zulu to face trial June 28 after pleading not guilty in hate speech suit

Independent member of Parliament for Lumezi Constituency, Munir Zulu, has appeared at the Lusaka magistrate court and pleaded not guilty to expressing or showing hatred, ridicule or contempt for persons because of race.

Zulu, 35, of Meanwood Ndeke is facing one count of expeessing or showing hatred, ridicule or contempt for persons because of race Contrary to Section 70(1) of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

When the matter came up yesterday for allocation and possible plea, Chief resident magistrate, Davies Chibwili, allocated it to magistrate Amy Masoja.

After consent was given to prosecute the matter by Director of public prosecution (DPP), Magistrate Masoja read the charge to Zulu and he denied.

It is alleged that Zulu on March 28, 2023, in Lusaka, did utter words which did say,” I am a villager from Lumezi, but I can tell you that villagers from Lumezi are more intelligent than villagers from Bweengwa” which expression shows hatred, ridicule or contempt against a group of persons namely the villagers from Bweengwa.

The court has since set June 28, 2023 for commencement of trial.

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