Nakacinda fined K2,400 for seditious comments, judge warns politicians over social media

HIGH Court Judge Davis Chibwili has fined PF faction Secretary General Raphael Nakacinda K2,400, or three months simple imprisonment in default, after convicting him of seditious practice. Sitting as Chief Resident Magistrate in Lusaka, Judge Chibwili found Nakacinda guilty over a September 2024 video posted on Kanele 97.7 FM’s Facebook page. In the clip, Nakacinda

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HIGH Court Judge Davis Chibwili has fined PF faction Secretary General Raphael Nakacinda K2,400, or three months simple imprisonment in default, after convicting him of seditious practice.

Sitting as Chief Resident Magistrate in Lusaka, Judge Chibwili found Nakacinda guilty over a September 2024 video posted on Kanele 97.7 FM’s Facebook page.

In the clip, Nakacinda alleged that President Hakainde Hichilema had ordered the DEC, ACC and Zambia Police* to raid former President Edgar Lungu’s residence in Chifwema.

Prosecutors told the court the statement was intended to incite PF members to gather at the residence and prevent a raid. The police, DEC and ACC later dismissed the claim.

Nakacinda denied the charge, saying he did not intend to obstruct police or incite anyone. Eight prosecution witnesses, including cybercrime officers, testified.

In his ruling, Judge Chibwili said the evidence proved Nakacinda made the statements and that the prosecution had met the burden of proof beyond reasonable doubt.

He dismissed mitigation that Nakacinda was a first offender and remorseful, and used the case to caution politicians against reckless remarks, especially online.

“With the advent of social media, people just wake up from dreaming and post on social media and present what they were dreaming,” Judge Chibwili said. “It is important to make responsible statements to avoid facing the consequences. Courts are there to correct public perception.”

Nakacinda remains in custody, serving a separate sentence for defaming President Hichilema.

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