The court case in which Independent Nkana lawmaker Binwell Mpundu is facing a seditious matter has taken a new twist after the lawyers representing him have withdrawn their services.
The Lawyers Norman Siwila and Leone Lemba told Lusaka Magistrate Webster Milumbe today.
This was after Mr Mpundu instructed the lawyers to undertake a certain assignment to which they allegedly failed to execute.
This means that the outspoken Nkana Lawmaker will now represent himself in court.
Mr Mpundu, a vocal critic of the government, maintained a calm composure as he appeared in court, however asked the Court for sometime to prepare himself.
Lusaka Magistrate Webster Milumbe granted the application in favour of Mr Mpundu.
Magistrate Milumbe adjourned the matter to 20th April, 2026 for continuation of trial.
Earlier, Mr Milumbe instructed the second witness, Simon Simweenda to be present on April 20 to testify.
This follows after the first witness Malindi Chongo successfully gave his submission during cross examination to the Court.
The accused, Mr Mpundu pleaded not guilty to the charge of seditious practices relating to remarks he made over self-defense.
The lawmaker is charged with one count of seditious practices relating to an incident that occurred on December 20, 2024.
After the court session, Mr Mpundu addressed his supporters and called for calm in what he described as ‘tough times’.
Who said he will represent himself. Kwena paZed, musebanya wekaweka fye.
Is this report alright? Is it allowed to represent yourself in Zambian courts?
In the local and Magistrate court you can but in High court and other courts superior to the High Court on has to be admitted to the bar, to speak before the court.
So the answer to your question is yes.