Former Nkana Member of Parliament Binwell Mpundu faces arrest after the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court issued a bench warrant against him for failing to appear for trial in a matter in which he is charged with seditious practices.
Lusaka Principal Magistrate, Webster Milumbe, issued the warrant on Thursday after rejecting an explanation from Mpundu’s surety, former Kamfinsa Member of Parliament, Christopher Kang’ombe, who attributed the accused’s absence to transport difficulties.
Kang’ombe told the court that Mpundu was in Luapula Province and had intended to attend the proceedings but was unable to travel to Lusaka after the vehicle he was using developed a mechanical fault. He added that Mpundu could not secure alternative transport because he lacked the money to repair the vehicle or make other travel arrangements.
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However, Magistrate Milumbe was not convinced by the explanation and ordered that a bench warrant be issued, stating that the accused should be brought before the court since he had failed to appear voluntarily.
The warrant is returnable on July 20, 2026, when Mpundu is expected to be brought before the court.
Mpundu is charged with seditious practices, allegedly committed on December 20, 2024, after he is accused of publishing material urging politicians to arm themselves in self-defence.
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