Mundubile, Makebi Zulu and 16 others charged with treason
Former presidential candidate Brian Mundubile, lawyer Makebi Zulu and 16 others have been charged with treason, according to lawyer Milner Katolo, bringing the total number of accused in the matter to 18.
Lusaka, 29 August – Mr Katolo, who is representing businessman Valden Findlay, said the seriousness of the charge required the State to clearly set out in court the conduct it alleges amounts to treason.
He argued that treason is a grave offence and should not be brought against individuals without careful consideration and a clear basis for the allegations.
Mr Katolo also raised concerns about the accused persons’ access to legal representation while they were in police custody.
He said the accused were eventually allowed to meet their lawyers at Lusaka Central Police Station, but access to legal counsel had been restricted earlier in the day.
The lawyer further alleged that his client, Mr Findlay, had previously been denied access to both his lawyers and family members.
According to Mr Katolo, Mr Findlay was also charged with financing terrorism at a time when his legal representatives were not present.
The defence, he said, was now keen for the matter to be taken before the courts, where the State would be required to present evidence in support of the charges.
Mr Katolo said the court process would also give the defence an opportunity to examine and challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution.
The treason charge carries serious legal consequences, and the defence is expected to scrutinise the circumstances surrounding the arrests, charges and treatment of the accused as the matter progresses.
-Nkanionline 2026
Weren’t we informed that the legal team was Bonaventure Mutale, Chifumu Banda and Sakwiba Sikota, all State Counsels? How does Milner Katolo come in now? Is this report correct?
And Counsel Katolo himself says that he is representing Findlay not necessarily the others he has mentioned. So, how does he allege they were initially denied legal representation?
There was a serious miscalculation of the whole plan on their part. From the time the Russian trained guys were intercepted and arrested at KKIA, they should have sensed danger and the mission should have been aborted. But as usual, there are some people who are selfish and good at inciting others even where and when the danger is vividly seen, especially those who are hiding or live in the diaspora. Meamona nomba mwakakisha nokwipaisha abanenu when you and your children are enjoying chips and freedom outside the country. Mukose bane and we hope that balya aba fenta mu prison are not involved, pantu apa nangu wa fenta takuli ukukufumya.
This case will take 5 years to 2031 to conclude and in 2031 it will be a Campaign Issue just like Drought 2024/26; High Cost of Living; ECL’s Burial Impasse turned into Campaign Topics in 2026 Elections.