COURT WARNS IT WILL RULE ON MUNDUBILE’S BAIL APPLICATION ON NOVEMBER 5 IF PARTIES FAIL TO PROCEED
The Lusaka High Court has warned that it will proceed to deliver its ruling on the constitutional bail application by National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity-NRPUP-Presidential candidate Brian Mundubile, his running mate Makebi Zulu and 16 others if the parties fail to proceed with the matter on November 5, 2026.
When the matter came up for possible hearing this morning before a three-judge panel comprising Derrick Mulenga, Davies Chibwili and Irene Wishimanga, Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha asked the court to adjourn the proceedings to allow the state to study a 32-page response filed by the lawyers representing the 18 applicants.
The court granted the application and adjourned the matter to November 5, 2026 to accord the state time to study and respond.
Meanwhile, one of the lawyers representing the applicants, Milner Katolo, expressed shock at the state’s decision to oppose the application for constitutional bail pending trial, arguing that the law provides guidelines governing the granting of bail.
Mr. Katolo has also disclosed that the 18 applicants remain in high spirits, except for Harry Findlay, whose scheduled appointments for specialised cardiology treatment in South Africa have repeatedly been postponed and now relying on medication.
On October 14, 2026, the 18 applicants petitioned the Lusaka High Court for constitutional bail, arguing that their continued detention while investigations into the treason allegations remain ongoing violates their constitutional rights.
The Attorney General, Mulilo Kabesha, and Director of Public Prosecutions Gilbert Phiri have been cited as respondents in the matter.
The applicants, who face treason and prohibition of terrorism charges, include George Chisanga, Patrick Mwansa, Bishop Trevor Mwamba, Francis Mulenga, Brazil Soko, Bernard Chewe, Davies Chisopa, Dickson Tembo and Victor Muzyamba.
They are seeking an order for their release, either unconditionally or under reasonable bail conditions to ensure their attendance at trial.
PHOENIX NEWS