If Innocent, State must compensate Mundubile, Makebi — UPND member Ellington Chipoka
A NDOLA-based UPND member who previously sought adoption to contest the mayoral race on the party ticket says the State must allow the law to take its full course regarding Brian Mundubile, Makebi Zulu and other individuals currently in custody or on the run.
Ellington Chipoka, commenting on the detention of Mundubile and Zulu, says the law must not be suspended simply because Zambia is a Christian nation.
Chipoka says political affiliation, tribal or social considerations, favouritism and personal interests should not determine whether an individual is held accountable for alleged criminal conduct.
He says those accused of crimes must be subjected to due process, regardless of their political status or popularity.
“Simply because we are a Christian Nation shouldn’t mean we must suspend the law on certain individuals,” Chipoka said.
“Many are the times when the Zambian majority has risen to protect those in political leadership against prosecution of various crimes committed or alleged to have been committed, citing unreasonable interests on grounds of likeness, support, tribe, favoritism, racial or social belongings.”
Chipoka says if Mundubile and Zulu are found beyond reasonable doubt to have committed offences under Zambian law, law enforcement agencies should charge them accordingly and take them before the courts.
He says the two should be afforded their rights to a free and fair trial and that the prosecution process should be concluded within a reasonable time.
“If Mr Makebi Zulu and Mr Brian Mundubile will be found with reasons beyond doubt that they have committed a crime under the law of Zambia, the law enforcement agencies should charge them accordingly, arraign them before courts of law, uphold their rights to a free and fair trial and conclude the duly prescribed prosecution process in good time,” he said.
Chipoka adds that if found guilty, the two should face punishment as prescribed by law without fear, favour or compromise.
However, he says if the courts find them not guilty, the State should compensate them for what he describes as public ridicule and malicious prosecution, among other remedies that the courts may deem appropriate.
“If found GUILTY… Mr Makebi Zulu and Mr Brian Mundubile MUST face punishment as prescribed by law without fear, favor or compromise whatsoever,” he said.
“However, should the courts of law find them NOT GUILTY… the State MUST compensate the two and any others for causing them public ridicule, malicious prosecution with intent to damage reputation and many other reliefs the courts may deem fit.”
Chipoka says his position remains unchanged and that the law should be allowed to take its full course in the cases involving Mundubile, Zulu and other related individuals.
“My position remains the same; allow the law to be exhausted regarding our two leaders and many other related individuals currently in custody and those on the run,” he said.
He says the matter should serve as an important lesson for Zambians, particularly those involved in politics.
“Crime is a crime regardless of who commits it. Such a person or people MUST be held to account by the due process of the law,” Chipoka said.
-TV Yatu | Sanfrossa Mberi | August 28, 2026.