FATHER FRANK BWALYA ACQUITTED IN THE CHUMBU MUNSHOLOLWA CASE ALLIANCE for Better Zambia (ABZ) president Father Frank Bwalya has been acquitted in the case where he was charged with defamation of the republican president, Michael Sata by referring to him as cumbu munshololwa. This is according to Kasama’s Radio Mano. Delivering judgment this morning, Kasama Principal Resident Magistrate Vincent Siloka stated that he found nothing defamatory in the word ‘cumbu munshololwa’ as it merely refers to a person who does not listen to advice. Magistrate Siloka said he understands that ‘cumbu munshololwa’ is just one of the many Zambian sayings and idioms used by Bembas. He observed that in as much as the office of the president should be respected, the head of state is subject to criticism. Magistrate Siloka emphasized that freedom of expression should be respected in a democratic state like Zambia. And on the words muwelewele, chipuba, tatontonkanya, Magistrate Siloka expressed dismay that despite listening to the recording of the programme ten times, he did not hear the said words as they appeared on the indictment. He added that he finds that the words were coined to fix the accused. Meanwhile, Father Bwalya has expressed happiness over the ruling saying his he was happy that justice had prevailed. Fr. Bwalya said Magistrate Siloka’s ruling and pronouncement will enhance democracy in the country. And Fr Bwalya has advised political party cadres to desist from being agents of violence and anarchy. He has since pledged to continue providing checks and balances to government adding that he draws his inspiration from President Michael Sata. Facts before the court were that on 6th January, this year Father Bwalya defamed President Sata by referring to him as ‘cumbu munshololwa, muwelewele, tatontokanya’ during a live Programme on Radio Mano.
Posted on: Tue, 15 Jul 2014 12:44:19 +0000
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