Chester, Felix and 14 others granted bail as supporters launch fundraising drive

45 Views KALABO — The Kalabo Magistrate’s Court has granted bail pending trial to musician Moses Ng’andwe, popularly known as Chester, gospel musician Felix Phiri, comedian Winston Ngosa, alias IDC Light Comedy, and 13 other accused persons in a case involving alleged riotous behaviour. The 16 accused persons, who had spent 24 days in detention […]

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KALABO — The Kalabo Magistrate’s Court has granted bail pending trial to musician Moses Ng’andwe, popularly known as Chester, gospel musician Felix Phiri, comedian Winston Ngosa, alias IDC Light Comedy, and 13 other accused persons in a case involving alleged riotous behaviour.

The 16 accused persons, who had spent 24 days in detention following their arrest on August 5, 2026, appeared before Kalabo Resident Magistrate Vincent Moze and pleaded not guilty to the charge of riotous behaviour.

Two of the accused are also facing additional charges of being in possession of offensive weapons.

The court granted each of the 16 accused persons cash bail of K5,000, with two sureties in their own recognisance.

According to their lawyer, Wisdom Nyirenda, the accused persons had managed to organise sureties and were putting together resources to meet the remaining bail conditions.

The matter has been adjourned to September 6 and 7, 2026, for commencement of trial.

However, while the court has granted bail, supporters of NRP-UP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu have launched a fundraising campaign to raise money to facilitate the release of the accused persons.

The fundraising campaign, being led by Zambian-based-in-the-United Kingdom Lillian Mutambo, is targeting about K84,000 to meet the bail requirements for the 16 accused persons.

In her latest update to supporters, Mutambo said each of the accused persons would require approximately K5,200 to meet the bail-related requirements.

“As you have read, the musicians, Comedian, bloggers and NRPUP supporters of BM8 & MZ have been given bond and each should pay K5200, for Bail!” Mutambo said.

She explained that the initial fundraising target of K20,000 had been based on the assumption that only four people would require assistance.

“Remember I came asking for K20,000?? This was only for 4 of them now we money for 16 people approx 83,200 so lets say K84,000,” she said.

Mutambo said the campaign had, by the time of her latest update, raised K19,334.62.

“So far raised total Now is K19,334•62. Thank you so much for the Ubuntu Spirit,” she said.

She has appealed to supporters and members of the public to continue contributing, saying the campaign was working against time.

“Please keep supporting what’s app me on +44 7480 167643 for all donations so that bail can be paid! We only have this weekend to raise to support the rest who may be stuck there! Zikomo! Lesa apale…” Mutambo said.

The fundraising effort comes amid heightened political tensions following the August 13 general election and the detention of several opposition supporters and political actors.

The accused persons are expected to remain subject to the court’s bail conditions pending their appearance for trial on September 6 and 7.

The court proceedings and fundraising campaign have also drawn attention to the financial burden faced by families and supporters seeking the release of people detained in connection with political activities.

According to the publication by Mike Mwendachabe, the accused persons have denied the charge of riotous behaviour, meaning the allegations against them remain to be determined by the court.

The fundraising figures quoted above are based on Mutambo’s latest update and had reached K19,334.62 against the approximately K84,000 target by press time.