Nakacinda Seeks Subpoenas for Police and Media in Sedition Defense

Patriotic Front Secretary General Raphael Nakacinda has petitioned the Lusaka Magistrates Court to summon witnesses in a case involving allegations of seditious practices against him.

Nakacinda is seeking to compel an exhibit officer from Zambia Police Headquarters, along with individuals from Kanele FM and The Mast Newspaper, to present evidence in his defense. His lawyer informed Chief Resident Magistrate Davies Chibwili of the application during Tuesday's court proceedings. The matter has been adjourned to November 26, 2025, for a ruling on the application.

The charges against Nakacinda stem from a Facebook post he allegedly made on September 26, 2024, accusing President Hichilema of ordering the raid and search of former President Lungu's residence.

Nakacinda is already currently serving an 18-month jail sentence following a Lusaka High Court decision that upheld a conviction by the Lusaka Magistrates Court. He was found guilty of defaming President Hakainde Hichilema on October 13, 2021, when he allegedly used his platform at the High Court of Zambia to incite hatred, ridicule, and contempt against the president. During that address, Nakacinda claimed "his Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema had summoned judges to his private residence, intimidating and forcing them to frustrate legal battles."