LUSAKA, Zambia — A total of 18 people accused in the ongoing treason case have been transferred to Mukobeko Maximum Prison in Kabwe, following the formalisation of treason charges against opposition presidential candidate Brian Mundubile, his running mate Makebi Zulu and 16 others.
Lawyer Milner Katolo confirmed that the 18 accused persons were transferred from various detention facilities to Mukobeko. The group has been charged with one count of treason, although they have not yet appeared before court, and the allegations remain to be tested through the judicial process.
The development comes amid heightened political tensions following Zambia’s August 13 presidential election and the August 14 security operation at a property linked to Mundubile in Lusaka’s Kabulonga area.
The 18 accused
The consolidated list circulating in connection with the case is:
- Brian Mundubile
- Makebi Zulu
- George Chisanga
- Bishop Trevor Mwamba
- Valden Findlay
- Davies Chisopa
- Patrick Mwansa
- Brazil Soko
- Jackson Mutyoka
- Bernard Chanda
- Francis Mulenga
- Richard Banda
- Emmanuel Mulenga
- Dennis Mwila
- Simon Phiri
- Ezra Tolopa
- Dickson Tembo
- Victor Muzyamba
Reports from local media confirm that the case involves Mundubile, Zulu, Findlay and 15 other accused persons, bringing the total number charged to 18.
Mukobeko transfer
According to reports published after the transfer, the 18 accused were moved to Mukobeko Maximum Security Prison from various detention facilities. Lawyer Milner Katolo said the defence had been informed that lawyers would only be permitted to meet their clients after September 2.
The treason case is connected to a wider security investigation involving allegations of an illegal militia, weapons and an alleged plot against the government. Authorities have previously said firearms, ammunition and tactical equipment were recovered during the August 14 operation.
Mundubile has rejected the allegations and maintained that his political campaign was peaceful.
Other supporters reportedly detained
The statement also alleges that about 300 other people associated with the Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance remain detained at different police stations.
Those named include Secretary General Celestine Mukandila, Kennedy Kaamba and Mwenzo MP Lucas Simumba.
These additional detention figures and the full list of people allegedly held at various police stations could not be independently verified from the sources reviewed, and should therefore be treated as claims pending confirmation from police, prison authorities or the detainees’ lawyers.
The 18 treason accused have likewise not been convicted of any offence. The State will be required to present its evidence before the courts, while the accused retain the right to defend themselves against the allegations.
