Lusaka magistrate Irene Wishimanga has found Patriotic Front Information and Publicity Secretary, Raphael Nakacinda with a case to answer in a matter is charged with one count of defaming President Hakainde Hichilema.
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Magistrate Wishimanga in her ruling yesterday said the court had analyzed the evidence adduced by prosecution and also considered defense’s submission and it found a prima facie case against Mr Nakacinda
In this matter, Nakacinda aged, 43, of farm number 1794, Kafue district pleaded not guilty to defaming President Hichilema contrary to section 69 of the penal code chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.
Magistrate Wishimanga also ruled that the evidence of all the prosecution witness proved beyond reasonable doubt according to the evidence adduced.
“I have analyzed the evidence adduced by prosecution and also considered defense’s submission and I have found a prima facie case against the accused for the offence of defamation of the President. I will give him chance to give his side of story,” magistrate Wishimanga ruled.
However, the defense team being represented by Mr. Francis Daka submitted to the court that they were ready for defense and their client would give sworn evidence calling six witnesses. It is alleged that Nakacinda on December 13, 2021 in Lusaka, with intent to bring the name of Mr Hichilema into hatred, ridicule and contempt, did cause to be published defamatory matter by word of mouth, where he addressed people at the High Court of Zambia.
which
was also broadcasted by Muvi television that “ His Excellency President Mr Hakainde Hichilema had begun to summon Judges at his private residence, intimidating and coercing them to frustrate PF legal
battles.”
The court has set May 10, 2023 as day of.
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