Barotseland: Trial for Activists Charged with Treason Postponed Indefinitely
Afumba Mombotwa, Sylvester Kalima Inambao, Likando Pelekelo and Masiye Masiyalet have been charged with treason and continue to await their trial as Zambia’s Kabwe High Court adjourned their case once again. The men are being held in the notorious Mukobeko jail in poor conditions.
Below is an article from the Barotseland Post:
The state has applied for an adjournment in the matter where Afumba Mombotwa, Sylvester Kalima Inambao, Likando Pelekelo and Masiye Masiyaleti have been charged with treason for advocating the reinstatement of the Barotseland Agreement of 1964 which was annulled by Zambia’s Kenneth Kaunda administration.
Only one new witness, Valentine Mugwagwa, a police sergeant was called after the continued testimony of one Leon Ngulube. Today Ngulube was still on the floor after two earlier adjournments. Kabwe High Court Judge in charge Dominic Sichinga agreed to adjourn the matter to a later date to be communicated.
And during trial, Ngulube submitted that there was no instability in ‘Western’ province as a result of the demands and that all government functionaries have continued to work. Ngulube has also told the court that he was aware of the Barotse case being referred to international arbitrators but expressed ignorance on the promise of reinstatement that was made by late President Michael Sata during the run up to the 2011 elections in which he (Sata) defeated MMD’s Rupiah Banda.
The four accused remain remanded in filthy jail cells alongside hard core criminals at the notorious Mukobeko Maximum security prison in Kabwe, while human rights watch groups are alleged to have been barred from visiting them to assess their living conditions.
Meanwhile, Barotseland Acting Administrator General has said that Former Presidents Kenneth Kaunda, Rupiah Banda and several other former and current cabinet ministers may be subpoenaed at some stage in the ongoing Barotse treason trial.
Speaking to the popular online publication, Zambian Watchdog, he said that Kaunda, Banda, Sikota Wina, Mkondo Lungu and Kalombo Mwansa are some of the prominent figures earmarked to be subpoenaed for them to shed more light on the abrogation of the Barotseland Agreement of 1964, which is the basis of the current Barotseland acrimony.
He has since called for international intervention in the matter.
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