COURT ASSERTS JURISDICTION OVER MUNIR ZULU’S DEFAMATION CASE

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COURT ASSERTS JURISDICTION OVER MUNIR ZULU’S DEFAMATION CASE

17th December, 2024

Lusaka Chief Resident Magistrate Davies Chibwili has dismissed an application by Munir Zulu, Lumezi Independent Member of Parliament, questioning the court’s jurisdiction to adjudicate his defamation case. Zulu is accused of making defamatory remarks against Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane, Charles Milupi, and RDA Board Chairperson Mulchand Kuntawala.



Magistrate Chibwili’s ruling asserts that the court has the authority to hear and adjudicate the matter, despite Zulu’s claims that the incidents occurred within the precinct of the National Assembly. This decision is in line with the principles of jurisdiction, which dictate that a court must have the authority to hear and decide a case.



According to the court records, Zulu had submitted that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter because the alleged defamatory remarks were made within the National Assembly. However, Magistrate Chibwili disagreed, stating that the court has the power to hear and determine the case.



The case will now proceed, with Zulu facing charges of defamation. The ruling is a significant development in the case, which has sparked interest in the country’s legal and political circles.



Zulu’s lawyers have indicated that they will proceed with the case, while the prosecution is expected to present its evidence against the accused. The trial is set to continue in the coming days, with the court expected to deliver its verdict after hearing all the evidence.



The case has raised important questions about the limits of parliamentary privilege and the role of the courts in regulating the conduct of members of parliament. As the trial unfolds, many will be watching closely to see how the court navigates these complex issues.

6 COMMENTS

  1. Does parliament allow dishonourable conduct by honourable members of parliament in the name of parliamentary immunity?

    Mr. Munir Zulu, boldly praclaimed that he had irrefutable proof of Messrs Musokotwane’s and Milupi’s grand corruption and would present this evidence to the courts. What has changed? Should members of parliament be allowed to malign innocent citizens under the guise of parliamentary immunity?

    This gentleman has engaged in some disgusting behaviour in parliament, thus lowering the dignity of the house. It boggles the mind how he even got elected MP.

    It is good the two ministers took the case to court. How I wish Ms. Masebo would do the same regarding her threats to sue TFM Holdings which threats the company rubbished. It is a blot on her reputation.

  2. Munir Zulu tried to hide under parliamentary immunity with the aid of his lawyer. The lawyer of course knew all day long but still went ahead to cite parliamentary immunity as defence in order to delay progress. But the court has refused to accept the parliamentary immunity defence because when Zulu said what he said about the two ministers, there were no parliamentary proceedings on the same issue. The defence has therefore fallen flat.

    • Kikiki….this is what happens when you think Parliament is place to go and show off. Well the showing off is now being put in its place. Bani wone bani wone….tiye uzakamba muse kusogolo….ba mwami ba lindila

  3. This is what happens when some arrogant and misguided individuals talks without thinking. You can not act in such a reckless manner and expect to be let go by those you deliberately offend.

    This is the stupidity which must be dealt with, with the contempt it deserves. What is honorable about this type of behavior.

    what is more annoying is the fact that instead of using the same alleged evidence to defend himself , we now hear of immunity due to the environment where the alleged statement was uttered.

    This was an avoidable event. Only arrogance and lack of knowledge is the reason for such behavior. Now , this young man is facing a serious matter in court for lack of wisdom. It is so unfortunate. This is not what voters should be subjected to. We have more serious issues to deal with other then these self infflicted problems. That is why we really need mature minded and stable leaders in Parliament.

  4. Munir needs to be punished for his disgusting behaviour. The ECZ must start preparing for a by-election in Lumezi because this character will soon be joining Prison Warriors.

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