Former Presidential Political Advisor and Three Others Plead Not Guilty to Terrorism Charges

Former Presidential Political Advisor, Dr. Chris Zimba, aged 44, of Chongwe, along with his three co-accused, have entered not guilty pleas to terrorism charges. The pleas were made before Lusaka High Court Judge Koreen Mwenda. Dr. Zimba’s co-accused include Given Phiri, aged 36, Marlon Banda, aged 34, and Portipher Gwai, aged 44. The four are scheduled to stand trial, with proceedings set to commence on Thursday.

According to the charges, it is alleged that Dr. Zimba, at some point between February 1 and February 22, 2020, in Lusaka, aided Mr. Phiri and Mr. Banda in conducting terrorist acts in the Petuake district of the Eastern Province.

Mr. Phiri and Mr. Banda are accused of possessing, between February 22 and February 23, 2020, in Petuake, a 250-milliliter quantity of Halothane and other substances, which were allegedly intended to be used as tools for the commission of acts of terrorism.

Meanwhile, Mr. Gwai is facing one count of procuring terrorism articles, as stipulated under Section 28 of the Anti-Terrorism and Non-Proliferation Act. The accused individuals were taken into custody in May of this year.

Source: africa-press

In other news – Investigate cases before making arrests: President Hichilema

President Hakainde Hichilema has directed investigative wings in the country to ensure that no arrests are made before investigations are conducted.

President Hichilema wondered why investigative wings have continued arresting people without first investigating cases saying this not the first time he has advised over the matter. The Head of State said investigative wings should also ensure that people are prosecuted within a short period of time. Read more