PF’s Kambwili pleads not guilty in hate speech suit, trial to commence June, 26

Patriotic Front (PF) presidential hopeful, Chishimba Kambwili and his co-accused have pleaded not guilty to two counts of unlawful assembly and riot and expressing or showing hatred, ridicule or contempt for persons because of race.

When the matter came up Wednesday for plea before magistrate Kawama Mwamfuli, the state called the case and informed the court that the consent by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to prosecute the matter in count two was ready and the accused could now take plea.

Kambwili pleaded not guilty in count one and his co-accused Charles Chisanga Kakula pleaded not guilty in both count one and count two respectively.

In this matter, Kambwili, 54, is jointly charged with a Lusaka businessman Kakula aged 30 of Lusaka.

The two are facing one count of unlawful assembly and riot Contrary to Section 74 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia and one count of expressing 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.

It is alleged in count one that Kakula and Kambwili on January 26, 2023, in Lusaka, jointly and whilst acting together with others Unknown, unlawfully did assemble with intent to commit an offence or breach of peace.

It is alleged in count two that Kakula on January 26, 2023, in Lusaka did utter words which did say’nthawi yoti alozi, atonga, akaonde akabulike mongati makkhoswe m’ma ofisezi yabona idza kwana muwa uze apresident Hakainde, amene alukhalira kumbuyo mtundu wao.

This means “time will come when Lozis, Tongas, Kaondes will scamper like rats from government offices, tell President Hakainde who is siding with his tribe mates. Expressing or showing hatred, ridicule or contempt against a group of persons, namely the Lozis, Tongas and Kaonde speaking people.”

Kambwili is being represented by Mr. Kennedy Mambwe and Kakula is being represented by Jonas Zimba of the Makebi Zulu advocates.

Magistrate Kawama Mwamfuli has since adjourned the matter to June 26 and July 11, 2023 for commencement of trial.

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