Mundubile, Makebi Zulu and 16 others charged with treason
Former presidential candidate Brian Mundubile, lawyer Makebi Zulu and 16 others have been charged with treason, according to lawyer Milner Katolo, bringing the total number of accused in the matter to 18.
Lusaka, 29 August – Mr Katolo, who is representing businessman Valden Findlay, said the seriousness of the charge required the State to clearly set out in court the conduct it alleges amounts to treason.
He argued that treason is a grave offence and should not be brought against individuals without careful consideration and a clear basis for the allegations.
Mr Katolo also raised concerns about the accused persons’ access to legal representation while they were in police custody.
He said the accused were eventually allowed to meet their lawyers at Lusaka Central Police Station, but access to legal counsel had been restricted earlier in the day.
The lawyer further alleged that his client, Mr Findlay, had previously been denied access to both his lawyers and family members.
According to Mr Katolo, Mr Findlay was also charged with financing terrorism at a time when his legal representatives were not present.
The defence, he said, was now keen for the matter to be taken before the courts, where the State would be required to present evidence in support of the charges.
Mr Katolo said the court process would also give the defence an opportunity to examine and challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution.
The treason charge carries serious legal consequences, and the defence is expected to scrutinise the circumstances surrounding the arrests, charges and treatment of the accused as the matter progresses.
-Nkanionline 2026
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