LUSAKA - The Lusaka Magistrates' Court has committed former Director General of Intelligence Xavier Chungu to the High Court for trial on charges of seditious practices and publication or disclosure of information to unauthorised persons.
The matter was committed after State Prosecutor Samuel Zulu informed Chief Resident Magistrate Thandose Chabala that the committal certificate issued by Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Gilbert Phiri was ready.
Following the submission, Magistrate Chabala ruled that the case should proceed to the High Court, stating that the Magistrates' Court does not have jurisdiction to hear and determine the matter.
The committal had previously been adjourned on three separate occasions to allow for the necessary procedures before the matter could be transferred to the High Court.
Mr. Chungu is facing 11 counts of seditious practices and publication or disclosure of information to unauthorised persons.
According to the prosecution, the charges stem from remarks Mr. Chungu allegedly made during an interview on the Zed Podcast.
The State alleges that the information disclosed was obtained by virtue of his former position as Director General of Intelligence and was released without the written consent of the President or a person authorised to act on the President's behalf, as required under the law governing intelligence information.
The High Court is expected to set a date for the commencement of the trial.
Source: Phoenix News