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MP Gystave Chonde Defends Munir Zulu’s Remarks as a Call for Justice, Not Incitement

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Milenge Independent Member of Parliament Gystave Chonde has defended his counterpart, Munir Zulu, stating that Zulu did not incite rebellion against the UPND government but merely appealed to President Hakainde Hichilema to address injustices faced by opposition MPs.

Testifying as a defense witness before Lusaka Magistrate Faides Hamaundu on Tuesday, Chonde, 50, argued that Zulu’s remarks during a press briefing last year were not seditious but were an earnest call for the President’s intervention.

“There was a press briefing last year to discuss the disappearance of Petauke MP JJ Banda. During the briefing, the MPs were in a somber mood. Zulu’s address was a direct appeal to the President to act. He raised concerns about several incidents under the current administration, emphasizing the need for action to prevent worsening conditions,” Chonde testified.

Chonde noted that, as independent MPs, including JJ Banda and himself, the issue was deeply personal and urgent.

“It was the third time such a matter had been raised without advice or action from state authorities on Banda’s disappearance. The MPs collectively appealed to the President to take urgent steps,” he said.

He also recounted allegations that Banda had been coerced under specific conditions for his release. He referenced an interview involving JJ Banda and Ministry of Information Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana, which allegedly included discussions on sensitive issues.

Chonde stated concerns about alleged remarks by UPND officials declaring parts of Northwestern Province as a “no-go area” and the lack of investigative progress on incidents such as a fire at Mambilima MP Jean Chisenga’s residence.

“To my knowledge, there has been no significant progress on these investigations,” he said.

Chonde defended Zulu’s right to communicate with the public and the President, stressing that his statements were not inflammatory.

“There was no unrest in my constituency following his remarks. The press conference was conducted in a somber tone and aimed to draw attention to these issues,” he said.

During cross-examination, Chonde confirmed he attended the briefing until the end. He denied hearing any members of the audience say, “We shall fight.” When asked whether Zulu was the only speaker at the briefing, Chonde agreed that others, including Emmanuel Mwamba and Brian Mundubile, spoke without facing arrest.

He denied knowledge of any violent incidents linked to remarks made at the briefing, including claims about Northwestern Province being a “no-go area.”

Chonde acknowledged that Zulu had raised concerns about JJ Banda’s disappearance in parliament.

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