The Lusaka Magistrates’ Court has discharged the bench warrant issued against former Nkana Member of Parliament Binwell Mpundu after accepting his explanation for failing to attend the previous sitting in his ongoing sedition case.
Mr. Mpundu told the court he missed the July 9 hearing after the vehicle he was travelling in broke down during campaign preparations in remote parts of Luapula Province, making it impossible for him to return to Lusaka in time.
He apologised to the court, insisting he had faithfully attended all previous court sessions and tendered photographs of the damaged vehicle as evidence.
Magistrate Webster Milumbe ruled that the accused be given the benefit of the doubt, discharged the bench warrant and allowed him to continue on police bond.
Meanwhile, the trial resumed with Detective Inspector Steven Simweenda testifying that investigations established the Facebook page “Hon. Binwell Mpundu Nkana MP” belonged to Mr. Mpundu.
The witness told the court the accused acknowledged ownership of the page during investigations but denied the charge of seditious practices after being formally warned and cautioned.
The matter continues before the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court.
By Josphat Hamakala
