HIGH COURT PROCEEDINGS STALL IN XAVIER CHUNGU CASE OVER PENDING COMMITTAL CERTIFICATE
By Nelson Zulu
Director of Public Prosecutions Gilbert Phiri has not yet issued a certificate of committal to the High Court to allow proceedings to commence in a case involving former Zambia Security Intelligence Service Director General Xavier Chungu, who is facing charges of publishing or disclosing information to unauthorized persons.
This came to light this morning when State Prosecutor Mildred Muchimba informed Lusaka Chief Resident Magistrate Thandose Chabala that instructions and the committal certificate had not yet been issued, and requested an adjournment of the matter to July 8.
Mr. Chungu, who has been in detention since May 29, 2026, was on June 12 denied bail pending trial after the court ruled it lacked jurisdiction following the issuance of a no-bail certificate by the director of public prosecutions.
In her ruling, Magistrate Chabala stated that the court was bound by the DPP’s certificate and therefore could not exercise discretion to grant bail, noting that the certificate indicated Mr. Chungu’s release could be detrimental to the security interests of the state.
Mr. Chungu is facing about 11 counts, including publishing or disclosing information to unauthorized persons and seditious practices, arising from statements he allegedly made during an appearance on the zed podcast.
The prosecution alleges that the former intelligence chief disclosed information obtained in the course of his official duties without the written consent of the president or a person authorized to act on the President’s behalf, in violation of the law governing state security information.
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