BINWELL MPUNDU SAYS HE IS READY TO HAND HIMSELF IN

By Nelson Zulu

Lusaka Principal Magistrate Webster Milumbe has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of former Nkana Member of Parliament Binwell Mpundu after he failed to appear before the court.

The warrant was issued after Mr. Mpundu's surety, Christopher Kang'ombe, informed the court that the former lawmaker had been unable to travel from Luapula Province to Lusaka because the vehicle he was using developed a mechanical fault during the journey.

The court heard that the vehicle could not be repaired in time, preventing Mr. Mpundu from attending the scheduled court session.

However, Magistrate Milumbe rejected the explanation as unsatisfactory and issued a bench warrant for Mr. Mpundu's arrest, returnable on 20 July 2026.

Mr. Mpundu is facing one count of seditious practices, contrary to section 57(1)(b) as read together with section 60(1)(i) of the penal code.

He is accused of publishing material on 20 December 2024 that allegedly encouraged politicians to arm themselves.

Meanwhile, when contacted for comment, Mr. Mpundu expressed shock at the court's decision, maintaining that he is currently outside Lusaka and had instructed his surety to appear on his behalf as a demonstration of respect for the court process.

He has however stated that he is prepared to hand himself to the police should the state wish to execute the bench warrant.

PHOENIX NEWS