By 
Chief Resident Magistrate, Davies Chibwili, has issued a stern warning to Raphael Nakacinda, threatening to revoke his passport if he misses another court session without valid justification.
This follows a disclosure by Mporokoso Member of Parliament and surety, Brian Mundubile, who informed the court that Nakacinda, the Patriotic Front (PF) Secretary-General, had traveled to Ghana to visit an unwell colleague.
Nakacinda is facing charges of seditious practices.
However, state prosecutor Mildred Muchimba questioned the reliability of the explanation, arguing that the court had no concrete evidence confirming the accused’s whereabouts.
“Without proof, we could be dealing with someone sitting at home, avoiding court proceedings,” Muchimba said.
She reluctantly refrained from objecting to the explanation but submitted that the need for an itinerary and clear travel details.
The court sided with the prosecution’s concerns, demanding more details from Mundubile, who admitted his knowledge of Nakacinda’s travel plans was limited.
“You’ve stated the accused traveled to West Africa, but West Africa is vast. When did he leave, and when is he returning?” Magistrate Chibwili asked.
Mundubile responded that Nakacinda had traveled to Ghana five days prior but was delayed due to flight issues.
He expected Nakacinda to return the following evening.
The court noted the lack of evidence but extended leniency since it was Nakacinda’s first absence.
Magistrate Chibwili, however, was that he would not hesitate to impose stricter conditions, including withdrawing the passport, so that Nakacinda seeks permission for any travel.
The case has been adjourned to February 3 and 17, 2025.
Nakacinda is alleged to have made seditious remarks on September 26, 2024, through the Facebook page of KANELE 97.7 FM.
It is alleged that Nakacinda accused President Hakainde Hichilema of using state agencies including the Drug Enforcement Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission, and Zambia Police Service to raid the residence of former President Edgar Lungu.
The alleged statements, purportedly aimed at diverting public attention from then Constitutional Court case on Lungu’s eligibility, were said to incite discontent among the Zambian public.
Five more witnesses are expected to testify in the case.
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