I DIDN’T COMMIT TERRORISM – ZUMANI 

…as he, three others finally appear in court charged with the offence of terrorism  

BY GRACE CHAILE

FORMER President Edgar Lungu’s political advisor, Chris Zumani Zimba and three others have denied committing terrorism acts.

Zimba, 44, of Chongwe is jointly charged for terrorism with Given Phiri, 36, a businessman, Marlone Banda, 34, also a businessman of Ten Miles and Portipher Gwai, 44, a nurse of Lusaka’s Mtendere Township.

Zimba is charged with one count of Aiding of terrorism acts Contrary to Section 28 of the Anti-Terrorism and Non- Proliferation Act, 2018 as read with Act No 6 of 2023 of the Laws of Zambia.

It is alleged that Zimba on unknown dates but between February 1 and 22, 2020 in Lusaka, did aid Phiri and Banda to conduct terrorist act or proliferation in Petauke district of the Eastern Province.

Phiri and Banda are facing possession of terrorism articles Contrary to Section 25 of the Anti-Terrorism and Non- Proliferation Act, 2018 as read with Act No 6 of 2023 of the Laws of Zambia while Gwai is facing one count of procuring of terrorism articles contrary to Section 28 of the Anti-Terrorism and Non- Proliferation Act, 2018 as read with Act No 6 of 2023 of the Laws of Zambia.

It is alleged that Phiri and Banda on dates unknown but between February 22 and 23, 2020 in Petauke jointly and whilst acting together did possess 1 bottle of 250ML Halothane, 1 bottle of 350ML deep 600 and 1 Bottle of 250ML forane isoflurand BP articles for a purpose connected with the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism or proliferation. 

Gwai on unknown dates but between February 1 and  22, 2020 in Lusaka, is alleged to have  procured  1 bottle of 250ML Halothane, 1bottle of 350ML deep 600 and 1 Bottle of 250ML forane isoflurand articles used for the commission of a terrorist act or proliferation. Appearing before Lusaka High Court Judge Koreen Etambuyu Mwenda-Zimba on Monday, the four pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Defense lawyer, Benjamin Mwelwa made an oral application for constitutional bail but was advised by Judge Mwenda to make a formal application.

The matter has been adjourned to September 7, 2023, for commencement of trial.

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