Solwezi Court Declines Jurisdiction in Mundubile, Zulu Sedition Case

🇿🇲 BRIEFING | Solwezi Court Declines Jurisdiction in Mundubile, Zulu Sedition Case

The Solwezi Magistrates’ Court has ruled that it lacks jurisdiction to hear the two-count sedition case involving opposition leader Brian Mundubile and his 2026 presidential running mate, Makebi Zulu, referring the matter to the High Court for further proceedings.

Principal Resident Magistrate Mambwe Mukonde delivered the ruling on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, following a preliminary objection raised by the defence over the location of the alleged offences.

The charges arise from statements allegedly published on Facebook following the August 13 general election, including claims based on the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity’s (NRPUP) parallel vote tabulation that Mundubile had won the presidential election.

Mundubile and Zulu first appeared before the Solwezi court on September 25, but plea was deferred after Mundubile’s lawyers were unable to attend.

When proceedings resumed on October 5, defence lawyer Bonaventure Mutale challenged the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that the alleged offences occurred in Lusaka rather than Solwezi.

The defence also sought permission for the accused to present oral evidence supporting its objection, citing concerns over access to witnesses and the costs associated with conducting proceedings in Solwezi.

Director of Public Prosecutions Gilbert Phiri opposed the application, arguing that the issues raised were already addressed in documentary evidence, including the accused persons’ warn-and-caution statements.

On October 6, Magistrate Mukonde rejected the request for oral evidence and reserved her ruling on jurisdiction for October 13.

Delivering her decision, the magistrate cited provisions of the Subordinate Courts Act and held that the High Court had jurisdiction to hear the matter.

She also noted that the State had not disputed the contents of the accused persons’ statements or the defence’s assertion that the alleged offences occurred in Lusaka.

However, Magistrate Mukonde clarified that she had no authority to determine whether the case should be heard in Lusaka.

The ruling means the matter will proceed before the High Court for further determination, although the next hearing date has not been confirmed.

The decision addresses the jurisdictional question and does not determine the merits of the sedition allegations or the guilt or innocence of either accused person.

Mundubile and Zulu also face separate treason proceedings arising from a security investigation following the August election, which remain distinct from the Solwezi sedition case.

– The People’s Brief  | Ollus R. Ndomu

October 13, 2026