TREASON IS NOT A CHURCH CHOIR OFFENCE — WHY BRIAN MUNDUBILE BAIL HEARING WAS LEGALLY ADJOURNED AND WHY GOVERNMENT IS FOLLOWING THE LAW!

The legal battle surrounding the high-profile treason and terrorism-related charges brought against opposition figures Brian Mundubile, Makebi Zulu, and 18 co-accused individuals has drawn intense public scrutiny across Zambia. Recently, the Lusaka High Court adjourned the hearing of a constitutional bail application filed by the defense team after the State, represented by Acting Chief State Advocate Chibesa Mulonda, requested additional time to file an affidavit in opposition. The panel of three judges—consisting of Justices Derrick Mulenga, Davis Chibwili, and Ireen Wishimanga—granted the adjournment, pushing the proceedings forward while ensuring that procedural requirements are strictly observed. Mr. Mundubile, who finished second in the contentious August 13 general elections under the banner of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity, alongside his running mate Makebi Zulu and other political and civic figures, has been held in custody at the Mukobeko Maximum Security Facility in Kabwe. The defense, led by prominent lawyers including Sakwiba Sikota, has argued that the prolonged detention of the accused without trial violates their fundamental constitutional rights, prompting the application for constitutional bail. Conversely, the State has raised preliminary legal objections, asserting that constitutional bail matters tied to capital offenses require meticulous procedural alignment, including the formal joinder of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Public discourse has been sharply polarized following the court's decision to adjourn. Political commentators and defenders of state procedure, such as social and political writer Mupishi Jones, have strongly rebuked critics accusing the government of political persecution, asserting that due process must be respected. In opinion pieces circulating under headings highlighting that treason is not a minor infraction, supporters of the administration argue that the judiciary is functioning ind