STATE, MUNDUBILE LAWYERS AGREE TO JOIN DPP TO CONSTITUTIONAL BAIL PROCEEDINGS
By Nelson Zulu
The state and lawyers representing losing National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity-NRPUP-2026 presidential candidate Brian Mundubile, his running mate Makebi Zulu and 16 others have agreed by consent to join Director of Public Prosecutions Gilbert Phiri to the constitutional bail proceedings and remove individuals that were cited in their personal capacity.
When the matter came up this morning before a panel of three High Court judges led by Judge Derrick Mulenga, Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha insisted that the constitutional bail application is criminal in nature and requires the DPP to be joined to the proceedings.
On October 14, 2026, the 18 accused applied for constitutional bail in the Lusaka High Court, arguing that their continued detention as investigations into the treason allegations remain ongoing violates their constitutional rights.
They had cited Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha, a police officer Harrington Akushanga and Zambia Correctional Service Commissioner General Fredrick Chilukutu in their personal capacity as respondents.
Mr. Kabesha explained that the DPP will respond to the application once the agreement by the defence lawyers is filed and hearing of the constitutional bail application will be heard on 28th October, 2026.
Meanwhile, one of the lawyers representing the accused, Sakwiba Sikota, indicated that the defence team could not oppose the application in the interest of justice but expressed concern that the accused were not brought before court without any explanation by the state.
The applicants facing treason and prohibition of terrorism charges include George Chisanga, Patrick Mwansa, Bishop Trevor Mwamba, Francis Mulenga, Brazil Soko, Bernard Chewe, Davies Chisopa, Dickson Tembo and Victor Muzyamba are seeking an order for their release, either unconditionally or subject to reasonable bail conditions to ensure their attendance at trial.
PHOENIX NEWS