Zambian Government Delays Bail Hearing for Mundubile and Makebi, Extended Jail Time Looms
The Lusaka High Court has adjourned the constitutional bail hearing for Brian Mundubile, Makebi Zulu, and 16 others to October 21, 2026, due to the State's request for more time to prepare. The accused are seeking release and a declaration that their continued detention violates their rights, as they face charges including treason and sedition stemming from post-election security concerns.
The Lusaka High Court has adjourned the hearing of a significant constitutional bail application involving National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity presidential candidate Brian Mundubile, his running mate Makebi Zulu, and 16 others to Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 08:30 hours. The adjournment followed an application by Acting Chief State Advocate Chibesa Mulonda, who requested the court for more time to prepare and file an affidavit in opposition to the bail application, despite the State having been served with the defence documents the previous Thursday.
The proceedings took place in chambers before a panel of three judges, led by Ndola High Court Judge Derrick Mulenga, alongside Judges Davis Chibwili and Ireen Wishimanga. The panel directed the State to serve its affidavit in opposition by Monday, with the defence given until Tuesday to file any response. Defence lawyer Sakwiba Sikota expressed surprise at the State's unreadiness, noting they had sufficient time to prepare. He also highlighted that the accused had been transported from Mukobeko Maximum Security Correctional Facility in Kabwe to Lusaka starting at 04:00 hours without breakfast, necessitating the defence to hurriedly arrange food for them upon arrival.
Mr. Mundubile and his co-accused are seeking a court order for their release, either unconditionally or on reasonable conditions deemed appropriate by the court to ensure their attendance at trial or any preliminary proceedings. Furthermore, the 18 accused men are petitioning the court for a declaration that their continued detention without trial, considering the period they have already spent in custody, constitutes a violation of their legal rights. The accused include prominent figures such as former Anglican Bishop Trevor Mwamba, business executive Harry Findley, Patrick Mwansa (son-in-law of former President Edgar Lungu), and three former commandos.
The case stems from serious allegations of a militia group whose activities authorities claim threatened national security following the August 13, 2026, general election. In August, Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa revealed details of a security operation in Lusaka’s Kabulonga area, which allegedly uncovered individuals linked to military plans involving foreign nationals and illegal military training camps, alongside the seizure of military weapons and ammunition. Mr. Mundubile has vehemently denied that his party harbored a militia, asserting that the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity does not support violence or any attempts to overthrow the constitutional order.
The accused face a range of charges, including treason, sedition, and offences related to the prohibition of terrorism. The court proceedings were conducted under heavy security, with certain roads temporarily closed to ensure order and safety.