Court Issues Bench Warrant for Former Nkana MP Binwell Mpundu

The Lusaka Principal Magistrates’ Court has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of former Nkana Member of Parliament Binwell Mpundu after he failed to appear before the court as required.

Principal Magistrate Webster Milumbe ordered that Mr. Mpundu be arrested on sight by police after dismissing an explanation presented by his surety, Christopher Kang’ombe, who told the court that logistical challenges had prevented the former lawmaker from attending the scheduled court session.

Mr. Mpundu is facing one count of seditious practices, contrary to Section 57(1)(b) as read together with Section 60(1)(i) of the Penal Code.

According to the allegations before the court, the offence relates to material that Mr. Mpundu allegedly published on 20 December 2024, in which he is accused of encouraging politicians to arm themselves. The prosecution contends that the publication amounted to seditious practices under Zambian law.

Following his absence, the court ruled that the reasons provided by the surety were insufficient to justify Mr. Mpundu’s failure to attend proceedings. Consequently, Magistrate Milumbe issued a bench warrant authorising law enforcement officers to arrest the former Member of Parliament wherever he is found and bring him before the court.

A bench warrant is issued when a person required to appear before the court fails to do so without an acceptable explanation. Once issued, police are legally empowered to arrest the individual and present them before the court to continue with the legal proceedings.

The case has attracted public interest due to its political nature and the serious allegations involved. However, under Zambia’s legal system, Mr. Mpundu remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

The matter is expected to proceed once the former lawmaker is brought before the court.

Zambian WiFi will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as the case unfolds.