Munir Zulu should be used as an example to the youths – Court warns
CHIEF Resident Magistrate Davies Chibwili has warned that young people should desist from posting unverified information on social media platforms or they risks being jailed like former Lumezi member of Parliament Munir Zulu.
In rendering ruling on Zulu’s bail pending appeal, Chibwili said the convict did not show remorse throughout his trial and he accepted committing the offence from the onset that he uttered the words of defamation but at the parliament grounds where he was immune.
Chibwili said Zulu did not give any specific and compelling circumstances to compel the court to grant him bail pending appeal.
In this case, Zulu was charged with three counts of libel, the charges which he denied.
Zulu defamed Finance Minister, Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane, Infrastructure and Urban Development Minister, Charles Milupi and Road Development Agency (RDA) board chairman Mulchand Kuntawala
Chibwili on April 7, 2025 convicted and sentenced Zulu to 12 months imprisonment with hard labour after he found him guilty of defaming the three.
Zulu said the two cabinet ministers corruptly received money amounting to US$250,000 through a bank transfer from unknown company.
He also stated that, Kuntawala corruptly sent money amounting to US$150,000 to Milupi two days before the appointment as a board chairman for Road Development Agency (RDA).
Zulu uttered the words when he held a press conference at parliament premises in the media center.
But in his defence, Zulu said he committed the offence at the parliament building and had immunities and privileges as a member of Parliament.
He argued that he was immune and shouldn’t be arrested
“At this point, the court is dealing with a convict and the reasons or grounds of appeal must convince me, because granting bail pending appeal is at the discretion of the court.”
“In my view, throughout the trial, Zulu never denied making the statement, the evidence was overwhelming that he uttered the words. He did not deny uttering the words but he said he uttered them in the premises of the National Assembly,” Chibwili said as he denied Zulu bail.
Chibwili further said to deter would-be offenders, and to send a warning to young people out there, he needed to punish Zulu, which is the right thing to do.
He said publishing false information is a serious offence, and young people should resist in doing so or they risk being sent to prison.
Chibwili said youths have become careless in their conducts, and the sentence of Zulu will send a warning to would-be offenders.
By Lucy Phiri
Kalemba April 23, 2025
So munior thinks he can slander any one as long as he is in parliament grounds ………??
Should have given him 2 years, let him learn.
Thank You ba Magistrate for doing your job correctly.
Lumezi made a mistake sending a boy to go a d do men’s jobs
Why is this chap being refered to as a young person? The chap is above 35 years old. Is it because he is of a small stature? Of course am in support of the court’s decision 100%. Both young and old should desist from defaming other people in the name of politics or otherwise
You can castrate him
Being a Member of Parliament does not grant the freedom to speak indiscriminately, as this reflects a misunderstanding of the role.
Thus, Members of Parliament should engage in constructive debates that focus on ensuring proper checks and balances on the government. They are tasked with representing their constituencies by advocating for development from the government and other stakeholders. Unfortunately, many MPs, particularly those from opposition parties and independents, often resort to undermining the government, using inappropriate language, and disseminating misinformation.
The recent conduct of Munir Zulu was inappropriate and has resulted in significant consequences, causing him to miss a valuable opportunity due to his failure to grasp the responsibilities that come with being an MP.
THANK YOU YOUR HONOUR, WE NEED A SANE NATION AND ANY ROTTEN NUTS BOUND TO MISLEAD THE YOUTH MUST BE CAGED AWAY FROM THE CORRIDORS OF INFLUENCE.
I doubt it Munir Zulu’s lawyer was acting in his clients best interests. Perhaps he also wanted him jailed. With Zulu’s jailing, the Zambian parliament is the richer.