COURT WARNS WITNESS IN NAKACHINDA SEDITION CASE….”There will be problems if you miss again”, warns Judge Sakala

LUSAKA – In a development underscoring the judiciary's resolve to ensure the expeditious conclusion of legal proceedings, Lusaka Magistrate Mwandu Sakala has issued a stringent warning to a state witness in the ongoing sedition case against former Patriotic Front (PF) Secretary General, Raphael Nakachinda. The Magistrate, visibly frustrated by the witness's repeated absence, sternly cautioned that 'there will be problems if you miss again,' signaling the court's intolerance for delays. The warning came during a scheduled appearance where the witness, whose identity has been withheld for operational reasons, failed to show up for cross-examination. This marks the second instance of the witness's non-attendance, prompting Magistrate Sakala to reiterate the gravity of the matter and the potential consequences for obstructing justice. Legal experts suggest that such warnings are not uncommon in cases where witnesses prove elusive, but the directness of Magistrate Sakala's admonition highlights the court's determination to maintain the pace of the trial. The sedition case against Mr. Nakachinda, a prominent figure in Zambian politics, has garnered significant public and media attention. He stands accused of uttering statements deemed seditious against the State, charges he vehemently denies. The prosecution has been working to present its evidence, and the reliability of witnesses is paramount to their case. Delays caused by witness non-attendance can significantly prolong trials, impacting both the accused's right to a speedy trial and public confidence in the justice system. Magistrate Sakala's directive is a clear message to all parties involved that the court will not tolerate unnecessary adjournments. The judiciary in Zambia has often faced criticism regarding the pace of justice delivery, and this firm stance by Magistrate Sakala reflects a broader effort to streamline court processes. The case has now been adjourned to a new date, with the expectation that the