Pay K2,400 now or go to jail for 3 months: Court slaps Nakacinda with immediate fine over seditious remarks

50 Views Patriotic Front faction secretary general Raphael Nakacinda has been fined K2,400 by the Lusaka Magistrate’s Court after being found guilty of seditious practices. Magistrate Davies Chibwili delivered the judgment today and ordered that the fine be paid immediately. He said if Nakacinda fails to pay, he will serve three months simple imprisonment in […]

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Patriotic Front faction secretary general Raphael Nakacinda has been fined K2,400 by the Lusaka Magistrate’s Court after being found guilty of seditious practices.

Magistrate Davies Chibwili delivered the judgment today and ordered that the fine be paid immediately. He said if Nakacinda fails to pay, he will serve three months simple imprisonment in default.

The case centered on comments Nakacinda made in September 2024 alleging that law enforcement agencies were planning to raid former President Edgar Lungu’s residence in Chifwema. Prosecutors told the court that such statements were likely to cause public disorder and alarm.

Nakacinda pleaded not guilty throughout the trial. He maintained that he was commenting on a matter of public interest and that his remarks did not amount to a crime.

Magistrate Chibwili had set today as judgment day after the defense closed its case in the last sitting. During that session the defense told the court it had faced difficulties bringing witnesses forward. Nakacinda’s lawyer said restrictions imposed by correctional authorities made it hard to access the accused in time to prepare fully.

The lawyer also informed the court that Nakacinda had instructed him to withdraw an application to call the arresting officer. That officer was expected to produce a warn and caution statement that the defense intended to rely on.

The prosecution argued that the words used by Nakacinda went beyond political commentary. They said the claim about a planned raid on a former head of state’s home was sensitive and had the potential to incite tension, especially given the political climate at the time. In their submissions, state lawyers said the law on seditious practices is meant to guard against speech that can disturb public peace.

The defense countered that Nakacinda was exercising his constitutional right to speak on issues affecting public figures and public institutions. They said there was no evidence that his remarks directly led to any disturbance and that criminalizing political speech would set a bad precedent.

After reviewing the evidence and submissions, Magistrate Chibwili found that the statements met the threshold for seditious practices under Zambian law. He said public officials and political leaders have a responsibility to be measured in their language, particularly when speaking about security operations involving former presidents.

Security was tight at the court as the magistrate went through the file before delivering the decision. A number of PF supporters gathered outside, but there were no incidents.

Nakacinda listened to the ruling before being given the option to pay the fine or go to prison. The court did not grant any time to pay later, saying the amount must be settled immediately.

Speaking briefly after the ruling, one of Nakacinda’s lawyers said they would consult with their client on the next steps, including whether to appeal.

He noted the challenges the defense faced in accessing their client and in securing witnesses, and said those issues affected the preparation of the case.

The conviction adds to a string of court matters Nakacinda has faced over the past year. Despite the legal battles, he has remained active in PF politics and continues to attend party functions and address supporters.

Apparently, for the PF faction, the fine is both a legal and political moment. Nakacinda remains one of the party’s most visible spokespeople, and his supporters argue that the charges are politically motivated. Government officials and prosecutors maintain that the law must be applied equally regardless of political affiliation.

With the fine now imposed, attention will turn to whether it is paid right away and whether the defense files an appeal.

For now, the court has closed this chapter, but the remarks that triggered the case continue to be discussed in political circles as Zambia heads toward the August 13 general election.