Nakacinda Fails to Open Defence in Hate Speech Case

Patriotic Front faction Secretary General Raphael Nakacinda has failed to commence his defence in a hate speech case after his lawyers informed the Lusaka Magistrates' Court that he was unwell.

Mr Nakacinda is charged with expressing hatred, ridicule or contempt for persons based on tribe and place of origin, contrary to Section 70 of the Penal Code.

The opposition figure is accused of making inflammatory remarks in April 2022, allegedly stating that Zambians had "picked the worst and completely ignorant Tonga from Bweengwa and dumped him in State House."

Prosecutors say the statement expressed contempt against Tonga-speaking people from Bweengwa in Southern Province.

When the matter came up before Magistrate Idah Phiri Mupemo on Monday, defence lawyer Maluza Chongola requested an adjournment, saying his client needed medical attention and his voice was not fit for testimony.

"We cannot put the accused on the stand as his voice is not so fit," Mr Chongola told the court.

However, the State opposed the adjournment, arguing that no medical documentation had been provided to justify the postponement.

"Such applications have tampered with the calendar as we abandoned other matters to attend to this case that has taken long to conclude," the prosecution submitted.

Magistrate Mupemo adjourned the matter to 22 October for continued hearing.