Solwezi Court's Shock Ruling on Mundubile & Zulu Sedition Plea
Zambian opposition leaders Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu are facing sedition charges, appearing in Solwezi court after 39 days in detention. Their case highlights broader political tensions and concerns over constitutional rights in Zambia. The situation draws international scrutiny and calls for justice amid a disputed election.
Ambassador Anthony Mukwita, in an op-ed dated October 5, 2026, reflects on the political climate in Zambia, centering on the sedition charges faced by opposition leaders Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu. Drawing inspiration from Psalm 30:5, which states, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning,” Mukwita writes from Solwezi, an impoverished mining town rich in copper and gold, yet paradoxically, its people live in abject poverty.
Mundubile and Zulu, who were welcomed with euphoria in Solwezi in August, now find themselves in court, brought from Mukobeko Maximum Correctional Facility. They are appearing for plea and possible trial commencement before Solwezi Principal Resident Magistrate Mambwe Mukonde, facing two counts of seditious practices under Section 57 of the Penal Code Act. The State alleges that the duo published material via livestreams on their Facebook pages, claiming that their parallel voter tabulation indicated NRPUP had won the presidential election and secured a parliamentary majority.
During their court appearance, Magistrate Mukonde ruled that issues raised in the defence's application for oral evidence were already adequately covered in existing court documents. Defence lawyers had questioned the jurisdiction, arguing that the alleged offences were committed in Lusaka, as indicated in the warn-and-caution statements and charge sheet, rather than Solwezi.
The current legal proceedings follow a period of extended detention. Mundubile and Zulu initially faced treason charges on August 29, 2026, after surrendering to police on August 27 following refuge at the UN Mission. Despite Zambia’s Constitution requiring suspects to face a judge within 48 hours, they languished in detention for 39 days without a treason court appearance. Brian Mundubile, a constitutional lawyer, maintains hope, stating, “We remain strong, for justice delayed is justice denied.” Makebi Zulu adds with defiance, “Our spirit cannot be shackled, even behind iron bars.” Their lawyer, Sakwiba Sikota SC, cynically remarked, “If calling for election results is treason, then perhaps breathing itself is next on the charge sheet.”
The detention of Mundubile and Zulu at Mukobeko Maximum Prison highlights a concerning pattern, as Zambia’s