By LUCY PHIRI
Patriotic Front member of the central committee, Raphael Nakacinda yesterday could not take plea after the state informed the court that it was still waiting for consent from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) to prosecute the matter.
This is in a matter in which Nakacinda aged 44 of farm number 1794, of Kafue is accused of defaming President Hakainde Hichilema contrary to section 69 of the penal code chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.
Mr Nakacinda has been accused of expressing or showing hatred, ridicule or contempt for persons because of tribe, place of origin or color contrary to Section 70 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
When the matter came up for plea at the Lusaka Magistrate court before magistrate Irene Phiri, state prosecutor Michael Nyundwe informed the court that Nakacinda could not take plea because the state was waiting for consent from the DPP to prosecute the matter.
“The accused person cannot take a plea only in the first count which is defamation of the President. We need consent from DPP to prosecute the matter in count two so that plea is taken at once,’’ he said.
And Mr Jonas Zimba, the Lawyer representing Nakacinda said the defence team had no objection to the application made by the state to wait for DPP’s consent to prosecute the matter.
Nakacinda was charged with defamation of the President in Solwezi, and the matter was reallocated to Lusaka last week.
The court adjourned the matter to October 14, for mention and possible plea as it waits for consent from the DPP.
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