STATE CLAIMS SOLWEZI COURT HAS JURISDICTION IN MUNDUBILE, ZULU SEDITION CASE Solwezi | October 5, 2026 – The Prosecution has submitted that the Solwezi Magistrates’ Court has jurisdiction to hear the sedition case involving National Revolution Party United Party (NRPUP) presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu. The submission was made by […]

STATE CLAIMS SOLWEZI COURT HAS JURISDICTION IN MUNDUBILE, ZULU SEDITION CASE

Solwezi | October 5, 2026 – The Prosecution has submitted that the Solwezi Magistrates’ Court has jurisdiction to hear the sedition case involving National Revolution Party United Party (NRPUP) presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu.

The submission was made by the Learned Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Gilbert A. Phiri, SC, who personally prosecuted the matter when the case came before Solwezi Principal Resident Magistrate Mambwe Mukonde.

The question of jurisdiction arose after the Defence filed a motion challenging the court’s authority to hear the matter, contending that the alleged offence was committed in Lusaka and should, therefore, be dealt with there.

The Defence subsequently sought additional time to prepare written submissions on the preliminary issue.

The Learned DPP, however, opposed the adjournment, submitting that the Defence could proceed with oral submissions, as had been done by the State, despite the limited time available.

At the heart of the State’s position is the nature of the alleged offence, which is said to have been committed online.

The Learned Director of Public Prosecutions submitted that where it is uncertain in which jurisdiction an offence was committed, the law permits proceedings to be instituted in any jurisdiction in which the matter properly falls for determination.

He, therefore, maintained that the Solwezi Magistrates’ Court is properly seized of the matter.

The Defence, through lawyer Bonaventure Mutale, maintained that the alleged offence was committed in Lusaka and argued that neither the court nor the State has discretion to determine the place of trial outside the framework provided by law.

After hearing the submissions, Magistrate Mukonde directed the Defence to file its written submissions by October 8, 2026, with the court setting October 13, 2026 for a ruling on the jurisdictional question.

The proceedings also brought into focus the court’s rules concerning photography and recording inside the courtroom.

Magistrate Mukonde warned members of the public against taking photographs or recording proceedings, cautioning that anyone found doing so would face action.

The warning followed a concern raised by the Learned DPP after an individual was reportedly observed taking a photograph inside the courtroom and subsequently posting it online.

The DPP asked the court to caution members of the public against recording proceedings, adding that the State could consider applying for the matter to proceed in camera if such conduct continued.

The jurisdictional question will now be determined by the court on October 13.

Until then, the matter remains before the court and the accused persons are entitled to the presumption of innocence.