Lumezi Member of Parliament Munir Zulu has filed an appeal against both his conviction and one-year prison sentence for defamation involving two cabinet ministers and the Road Development Agency (RDA) Board Chairperson, Mulchand Kuntawala.
The ministers named in the case are Finance Minister Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane and Minister of Infrastructure and Urban Development Charles Milupi.
Zulu was convicted after alleging that the two ministers received a bribe of over US$250,000 via bank transfer from an undisclosed company.
In his appeal, Zulu has cited ten grounds, including a claim that the trial magistrate erred in law and fact by failing to consider the privileges and immunities granted to Members of Parliament under the National Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Act, Chapter 12 of the Laws of Zambia.
The Act prohibits criminal proceedings in relation to statements made within the National Assembly or its precincts.
Zulu has also applied for bail pending the outcome of the appea which hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, 16 April 2025.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the National Assembly has declared Zulu’s parliamentary seat vacant following his conviction and sentencing.
By Darius Choonya
