LUSAKA – Lusaka Principal Magistrate Webster Milumbe has revoked a bench warrant that was issued against former Nkana Member of Parliament Binwell Mpundu after accepting his explanation and apology for failing to attend a previous court session.
The bench warrant had been issued on 9 July after Mr. Mpundu failed to appear before the court as required.
Appearing before the court on Monday, Mr. Mpundu explained that he had been travelling through Northern Province when his vehicle suffered a tyre burst, leaving him stranded in a remote area. He told the court that after replacing the damaged tyre with a spare, he experienced another tyre burst while travelling back to Lusaka.
According to Mr. Mpundu, he instructed his lawyers and sureties to inform the court about the unforeseen circumstances that prevented him from attending the scheduled hearing.
He further told the court that following the issuance of the bench warrant, he was not arrested by law enforcement officers but voluntarily presented himself before the court after learning that the warrant had been issued.
Mr. Mpundu appealed to the court for leniency, stating that he had consistently attended previous court sessions and had no intention of disrespecting the court or disregarding its authority.
After considering submissions from the accused and his lawyer, Leon Lemba, Magistrate Milumbe revoked the bench warrant and ordered that the matter proceed to trial.
Mr. Mpundu is facing one count of seditious practices, contrary to Section 57(1)(b), read together with Section 60(1)(i) of the Penal Code, over allegations that material published on 20 December 2024 encouraged politicians to arm themselves.
The case has been adjourned for continuation of trial.
Source: Phoenix News