Mundubile, Makebi ‘treason’ charges still pending, but sedition case rushed to court – Caritas questions motive

Caritas Zambia has questioned the public perception […]

Caritas Zambia has questioned the public perception created by the speed at which a bailable, separate seditious practices case against Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu has reached court while their earlier treason case remains without a court appearance.

The two opposition figures appeared before Solwezi Magistrate Mambwe Mukonde on Friday, September 25, 2026, for plea in the sedition matter, but the proceedings were adjourned to October 5 after Mundubile informed the court that his lawyers were not present.

Speaking in an interview with Zambian Business Times (ZBT), Caritas Zambia Executive Director, Fr. Gabriel Mapulanga said the difference in the movement of the two cases could raise questions among members of the public, particularly because both matters emerged in the aftermath of the August 13 elections.

“What people are seeing is that the arrests happened around the time of the elections, and those who were challenging the election are the ones being charged, so some people may think they are being arrested because they competed for power,” said Fr. Mapulanga.

Mundubile and Zulu are jointly facing the seditious practices charge in Solwezi, while the separate treason case involves the two alongside other accused persons and is expected to be heard in the High Court.

The clergy added that the authorities have their explanation that they are following the law, while those on the opposing side may interpret the arrests differently because of the political circumstances surrounding them.

“Those in authority will say they are following the law, while those who are not in authority may say this is happening because they challenged for power, and we need to reach a stage where we do the correct thing and listen to each other,” he said.

Fr. Mapulanga explained that the public should also remember that an arrest or charge does not establish guilt, and that every accused person remains entitled to due process until a court determines the matter.

“If someone is arrested, everyone who is arrested is innocent until proved guilty, and the matter should be allowed to proceed as soon as possible so that the courts can determine what happened,” he said.

The Caritas Zambia executive director also expressed concern about what he described as growing defensiveness towards criticism, saying those in power should be able to listen to concerns about governance without automatically treating criticism as hostility.

“Those who are in power should learn to listen and get something from what they are hearing, rather than being defensive every time, because criticism can also help those who are ruling to improve,” he said.

Fr. Mapulanga told ZBT that citizens should be able to question issues arising from elections and governance provided their criticism does not cross into unlawful conduct, arguing that fear of arrest can discourage legitimate public debate.

“You cannot tell someone not to speak about problems in society, because people will continue asking questions when they are not convinced by the answers they are receiving,” he said.

Fr. Mapulanga said the difference between the two cases should ultimately be explained through the normal legal process rather than political speculation, while urging authorities to ensure that the law is applied fairly and consistently to all sides.

“Whether someone is in authority or opposing authority, we need fairness in the way things are done, and anyone who has committed an offence should face the law while the courts are allowed to determine the case,” he said.

By Philip Sinkala