The week has seen the state move decisively against perceived threats, with opposition leaders Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu now facing sedition charges, and the government revoking passports of six citizens on national security grounds. Meanwhile, a vlogger has been convicted for spreading false claims about a presidential aide, and a former finance minister is urging a more pragmatic approach to the ambitious copper production target. The pattern is clear: the administration is tightening its grip, but questions about due process and proportionality are mounting.
Main Stories
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Mundubile, Zulu charged with sedition – Tonse Alliance president Brian Mundubile and vice president Makebi Zulu have been arrested and jointly charged with seditious practices, and are being held at Mukobeko Maximum Correctional Facility pending court appearance. This follows their earlier detention on treason charges and comes just days after Mundubile suspended the alliance's secretary general from prison. The police insist the matter will be handled fairly, but the rapid escalation of charges – from treason to sedition – raises concerns about whether the legal process is being used to neutralise political opposition rather than to serve justice.
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Government cancels passports of six citizens – The Department of National Registration, Passport and Citizenship has revoked the passports of six Zambians, including fugitive Kaizer Zulu, former Nkana MP Binwell Mpundu, and academician Sishuwa Sishuwa, citing national security grounds. The gazette notice gives no specific evidence or legal basis beyond "security reasons," and those affected have no stated avenue for appeal. While the state has a duty to protect national security, the sweeping nature of this action – and the inclusion of an academic – demands scrutiny. The precedent set by the Chishimba Kambwili case, where a passport was used to flee the country, may justify some measures, but transparency is lacking.
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Vlogger convicted over Mwanawasa allegations – Lusaka Magistrates' Court has convicted vlogger Joseph Chishimba for disseminating a WhatsApp screenshot alleging Special Assistant to the President Chipokota Mwanawasa was in a relationship with President Hichilema and pregnant. The court found the evidence circumstantial but sufficient, and Chishimba will be sentenced on Monday. The conviction sends a strong signal on cybercrime enforcement, but the reliance on circumstantial evidence – and the fact that the original source, Charles Kakula, was not charged – leaves questions about the fairness and selectivity of the prosecution.
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Musokotwane urges mine-by-mine strategy for copper target – Former Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane has advised the government to adopt a mine-by-mine approach to achieve the three-million-tonne copper production target, warning that environmental and other challenges could delay projects. His call for early identification of obstacles is pragmatic, but it also implicitly acknowledges that the target – a cornerstone of the Grow Zambia Agenda – may slip. The government's response to this advice will be a test of whether it is serious about delivery or just about slogans.
Other Notable Stories
Governance and Security:
- The government's passport cancellations have drawn attention to the case of fugitive Kaizer Zulu, who remains at large. The public will want to know what steps are being taken to bring him to justice, and whether the passport revocation is a substitute for actual arrest.
Legal and Judicial:
- The Chishimba conviction is part of a broader crackdown on social media content deemed harmful. Recent related cases include the sentencing of vlogger Ethel Edwards to 18 months for hate speech, and ongoing proceedings against other influencers. The courts are clearly taking a hard line, but the balance between protecting reputations and preserving free expression remains a delicate one.
Key Takeaways & Watchpoints
- Sedition trial timeline: Watch for the court appearance date for Mundubile and Zulu, and whether the state presents credible evidence of seditious intent. The speed and transparency of this case will be a key indicator of the rule of law under the second Hichilema term.
- Passport revocations and due process: Monitor whether any of the six affected individuals – particularly academician Sishuwa Sishuwa – challenge the cancellations in court, and whether the government provides a clearer legal justification. This could set a precedent for how national security powers are used.
- Copper target progress: Watch for the government's response to Musokotwane's mine-by-mine advice, and for any official updates on copper production figures. If the 2031 target slips, the Grow Zambia Agenda's credibility will take a hit.