By Mast Reporter
A LUSAKA magistrates court has ordered the arrest of opposition Patriotic Front (PF) faction chairperson for information and publicity Emmanuel Mwamba on a bench warrant after he failed to appear before court.
The warrant was issued on Tuesday after Mwamba’s sureties informed the court that he was still in the United States (US) because of the shoulder injury suffered while playing a sports game.
“The accused has failed to appear, and his sureties have not provided satisfactory reasons for his absence. A bench warrant is therefore issued, returnable on February 26, 2025,” magistrate Amy Chilangwa ordered.
Chilangwa warned that should Mwamba fail to appear by the date she had set, his police bond could be discharged.
Mwamba, 52, is jointly charged with three others – Jacqueline Chopa, 49, a politician from Matero, Gideon Tolopa, 42, a business executive from Emmasdale and Gift Kachingwe, 32, a business executive from Chongwe.
They are accused of disorderly conduct at Kabwata Police Station on February 27, 2024, contrary to Section 60(1) of the Zambia Police Act.
During Wednesday’s court session, one of Mwamba’s sureties informed the court that he had an air ticket showing his return to Zambia was scheduled for March 4, 2025.
However, Chilangwa insisted that Mwamba should present himself before the court by February 26 or risk more consequences.
Mwamba and his co-accused have denied the charge and are expected to re-appear once the warrant is executed.
