The Lusaka Magistrates’ Court has issued a warning to Patriotic Front (PF) Mkushi Member of Parliament Davies Chisopa and Milenge MP Gystave Chonde for failing to appear before the court in their capacity as sureties for Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) president Edith Nawakwi.
Principal Resident Magistrate Ireen Wishimanga cautioned the two lawmakers after they were absent from court, where they were expected to explain Nawakwi’s continued failure to appear.
The opposition leader, 63, is reportedly unwell and was unable to attend Thursday’s session.
Nawakwi is facing two counts of seditious practices and was expected to open her defence .
During the court proceedings, Magistrate Wishimanga questioned why the sureties had failed to fulfill their obligations, stating that they were required to be present
. In response, defense lawyer Tresford Chali informed the court that the MPs were on their way from their constituencies and that one of them had been delayed in Luano.
The magistrate acknowledged the explanation but stressed that sureties have an obligation to the court and should have sent a representative if they were unable to attend. She warned them to be present at future sessions.
The case has been adjourned to March 19.
It is alledg that Nawakwi made remarks in Lusaka between May 25 and May 28, 2024, where she called on citizens to hold President Hakainde Hichilema accountable for the alleged abduction of Jay Jay Banda.
