Zambia: Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu face new sedition charges

According to a statement from the Zambia Police Service signed by Deputy Spokesperson Timothy Malumo, the two officials were jointly charged around 11:45 am at the central police station in Kabwe. The police cited Article 57 of the Zambian Penal Code.

Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu were then returned to the Mukobeko maximum-security prison, where they were already being held. The new charges add to the treason case initiated against them and several others following the presidential election on August 13.

Mundubile, the candidate from the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity in that election, finished second behind President Hakainde Hichilema. Authorities accuse him and his co-defendants of involvement in a plot against the state. The accused contest the charges and remain presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court.

The case has drawn criticism from opposition figures and several civil society organizations. Transparency International Zambia has specifically called for authorities to ensure respect for due process and the constitutional rights of the detainees, while highlighting the political sensitivity of the timing of the arrests.

In its statement on September 11, the police asserted that the case will follow the legal procedures and indicated that Mundubile and Zulu are to appear in court. No date for the court appearance was specified.