GUEST ARTICLE: Where Is Binwell Mpundu? His Absence Deepens Questions About Accountability and Due Process
By: Thomas Moyo
The whereabouts of former Nkana Independent Member of Parliament Binwell Mpundu remain publicly unknown after he failed to appear before the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court on 20 August 2026. His absence raises serious questions about personal accountability, judicial compliance and Zambia’s tense post-election political climate.
According to News Diggers, Mpundu was expected to receive a ruling on whether the prosecution had established a case for him to answer on a charge of seditious practices. The court ordered his sureties to appear on 17 September and explain his whereabouts.
Significantly, defence lawyer Norman Siwila reportedly told the court that attempts to contact Mpundu had failed because his known telephone numbers were not connecting. According to Zambia Monitor, neither the State nor Mpundu’s own lawyer could explain his absence.
The existing sedition case must be distinguished from Mpundu’s controversial election-period video. The National Prosecution Authority states that the charge concerns a December 2024 social-media publication allegedly encouraging politicians to acquire firearms for self-defence.
Separately, shortly before the 13 August election, Mpundu posted a video declaring that he was prepared to be killed or to kill over the election. He later acknowledged making the statement and apologised, while maintaining that it had been taken out of context. The Electoral Commission of Zambia subsequently revoked his accreditation to the National Results Centre. According to News Diggers, Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro argued that the remarks could incite violence and undermine the peaceful conduct of the election.
Unverified reports claim that Mpundu has left Zambia, possibly for Zimbabwe. A message attributed to him stated that he was watching developments and would return, but this does not establish his present location. No confirmation has been provided by immigration authorities, police or his lawyers.
Mpundu’s earlier missed court appearance and the previous withdrawal of his lawyers from the case suggest recurring procedural difficulties. If he fled because of genuine security concerns, he should communicate formally through legal representatives. If he is deliberately avoiding court, his conduct undermines the accountability he demands from government.
The State, however, must pursue him lawfully and without intimidating his relatives or political associates. Until credible evidence emerges, Mpundu’s location remains unknown—but both he and the authorities owe Zambians transparency.
(SOURCE: Thoma Moyo’s FB page)