Members of Parliament Andrew Mukosa (Chinsali Constituency) and Anthony Kasandwe (Bangweulu) had previously pledged to ensure Mwamba’s court attendance if he were granted bail. However, Mwamba has since remained absent and at large, frequently appearing only through his online podcast.
Following months of non-compliance, Magistrate Mbuywana Sinvula ruled the two sureties in contempt of court, ordering them to pay K50,000 each within 48 hours or face a three-month simple imprisonment.
After the ruling, a budget-conscious onlooker reportedly approached the MPs, advising them to serve the jail time rather than “waste” the money. MP Mukosa shared the encounter, quoting the man as saying, “Boss, just serve the sentence rather than paying K50,000.”
The contempt charge stems from a bench warrant issued against Emmanuel Mwamba, who is accused of seditious practices for a Facebook post published on November 4, 2023. The State alleges the post, which called for mass action and a national shutdown following a political declaration by Matero MP Miles Sampa, was likely to incite violence or disrupt public order. Mwamba has maintained that his call for protests was lawful and democratic.
Jail will certainly give the an advantage in the next GRZ