By MULENGA MUSONDA
The trial involving two Southern province musicians accused of defaming President Edgar Lungu has continued to drag in the Choma Magistrates Court following a positive covid-19 test by one of the musicians.
In this matter Augustine Kunda 26, of Mwebo Village in Chief Chikanta’s Chiefdom and Gift Hachilima 20, of Chief Macha’s Chiefdom are jointly charged with the offence of Defamation of the President contrary to section 69 of the penal code chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.
Allegations are that, the two jointly and whilst acting together , with intent to bring the name of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia into hatred, ridicule or contempt, published defamatory words affecting the president by writing and producing a song.
The alleged production of the song is said to have happened between January 1 and March 30, 2021 in Choma district of southern Province.
The two accused persons have vehemently denied the charge against them.
When the matter came up for commencement of trial before Court, only Kunda was before court after Hachilima earlier tested positive for covid-19.
The adjournment was also necessitated by the absence of the trial court handling the matter.
The matter will come up on July 23, 2021 for trial after Principal Resident Magistrate Idah Mupemo made the adjournment. The two are remanded on Police bond.
