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A Lusaka Magistrate has warned Independent Member of Parliament for Lumezi Constituency, Munir Zulu, to attend court in a matter he is facing three counts of defamation.
When the matter came up on Friday for plea, the state informed the court that Zulu was not present despite knowing today’s date(Friday) and his sureties were not before the court.
When asked by the court where Zulu was, his lawyer Nkula Botha of Makebi Zulu advocates informed the court that he didn’t know where his client was despite speaking with him the previous day.
“I do not know where he is and the surety are not here. As indicated by the state, we regret the absence of the accused. Actually yesterday I was informed by him that he has a matter here and today we communicated but he is not here,” Botha submitted.
However, Chief Resident Magistrate, Davies Chibwili, said he will not accept the explanation of the defense lawyer and requested that Zulu appears before him.
“I’m not accepting the explanation given by counsel, but since it’s the first time the matter is coming and for plea, I give the accused a benefit of doubt and adjourn the matter to tomorrow for plea, I warn the accused to attend,” he said.
In this matter, Zulu is facing three counts of Libel Contrary to Section 191 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
It is alleged in count one that Zulu on March 21, 2023 in Lusaka, with intent to defame, unlawfully did publish defamatory matters against Situmbeko Musokotwane by way of a press conference in which he alleged that Musokotwane corruptly received money amounting to US$250,000.00 through a bank transfer from unknown company.
In count two, it is alleged that on March 21, 2023 in Lusaka, with intent to defame, unlawfully did publish defamatory matters against Charles Milupi by way of a press conference in which he alleged that Milupi corruptly received money amounting to US$250,000.00 through a bank transfer from unknown company.
It is alleged in the last count that Zulu on March 21, 2023 in Lusaka, with intent to defame, unlawfully did publish defamatory matters against Mulchad Kuntawala by way of a press conference in which you alleged that Kuntawala corruptly sent money amounting to US$150,000.00 to Milupi two days before the appointment as a board chairman for Road Development Agency (RDA).
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