The Lusaka High Court has set April 20, 2026, as the trial date for Socialist Party president Fred M’membe, who has pleaded not guilty to an espionage charge. This charge is directly linked to a documentary that was released in 2023. M’membe is formally accused under Section 3 of the State Security Act, with the State asserting that he, in collaboration with other unidentified individuals, communicated information deemed prejudicial to Zambia’s national interests.

According to the official indictment, the alleged offence transpired between August 26 and September 16, 2023. The core of the accusation stems from a documentary titled “The Grand Regional Scheme: How Foreign Powers and Local Elites Are Destroying Africa – Part 1.” This particular documentary was disseminated extensively across various media platforms. The State contends that the material, which was filmed by Zimbabwean media, may have been created or distributed with the intention to benefit foreign powers or individuals deemed hostile to the Zambian government.

During his appearance before Judge Mwaka Ngoma, Fred M’membe firmly maintained his innocence, formally entering a plea of not guilty to the charge. Following this, the matter has been officially adjourned, with the much-anticipated trial now slated to commence on April 20, 2026, as decreed by the court.