Christian Democratic Party president Daniel Pule has again failed to open his defence in a case in which he is charged with seditious practices after reporting that he is unwell.
Pule had previously failed to open his defence last month on similar grounds.
When the matter came up yesterday before Lusaka Chief Resident Magistrate Sylvia Munyinya-Okoh, the court was informed that the accused was not fit to stand trial due to his medical condition.
Although the prosecution was ready to proceed, defence lawyer Major Hanzala Mwaaba (Rtd) informed the court that his client was medically unfit and applied for an adjournment.
“We are alive to the fact, as indicated in the previous sitting, that there is a medical report showing that the accused is incapable of carrying out duties owing to a medical illness,” Maj Mwaaba said.
He told the court that the medical report recommended four weeks of bed rest, adding that although Pule was present in court, he was not capable of standing trial due to his condition.
Maj Mwaaba subsequently applied for an adjournment to allow his client time to recover.
The prosecution did not oppose the application, stating that it was based on medical grounds and in the interest of justice.
Magistrate Munyinya-Okoh ordered the matter to stand down as she met with both parties in chambers before delivering her ruling. The case was adjourned to today for the opening of the defence, during which Pule has indicated that he intends to call more than 30 witnesses.
