Kaumba brothers case must be heard in Kalulushi, grants court

By Esther Chisola

The Lusaka Magistrates’ court has granted an application to transfer to Kalulushi the matter involving two brothers Ernest and Elijah Kaumba who are in court over a Tiktok posting in which they allegedly insulted President Hakainde Hichilema.

The two through their lawyer Makebi Zulu had applied for the matter to be transferred to Kalulushi where the offence was committed and that their families were also there, among other reasons.

In this matter, the Kaumba brothers pleaded not guilty to a charge of use of insulting language.

When the matter came up for ruling yesterday, magistrate George Njobvu granted the application.

“I agree with the defense that this matter be transferred to Kalulushi where the offense was committed, the cause of the complaint was done at Kalulushi. Therefore, the application made by defense to have the matter transferred is granted,” ruled the court.

 In early December 2024, Archbishop Alick Banda of Lusaka visited the Kaumba brothers who had been held at Ridgeway Police Station since October 3, 2024.

Archbishop Banda’s visit was seen as a compassionate act, highlighting the Church’s concern for justice and human rights. His engagement drew attention to the brothers’ prolonged detention and sparked discussions about freedom of expression in Zambia.

Later, former president Edgar Lungu actively intervened in the legal proceedings of the two.

Demonstrating his support, Lungu attended their court session and instructed his legal team to challenge their arrest and detention.

That plus other interventions saw the two being granted K5, 000 bail each.

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