Zambian High Court rules Mundubile’s bail application admissible
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Zambian Observer
The Lusaka High Court has ruled admissible the constitutional bail application of Brian Mundubile, 2026 presidential candidate, and 17 co-accused. The hearing is adjourned so the Attorney General and the Director of Public Prosecutions can attend, according to the Zambian Observer.
The Lusaka High Court has ruled admissible the application for constitutional bail by Brian Mundubile, the NRPUP candidate in the 2026 presidential election, and 17 others, according to ZNBC. A panel of three judges, Derrick Mulenga, Davis Chibwili and Ireen Wishimanga, ruled on Tuesday, rejecting the State’s application to dismiss it.
The court noted that no rule prevents an aggrieved person from seeking such bail in this way. The applicants are seeking their release, unconditionally or on reasonable conditions. They also ask that their prolonged detention without trial be declared contrary to their constitutional rights. The State opposes the application, arguing that the seriousness of the charges and the penalties faced makes it difficult to set suitable bail conditions.
The court granted the adjournment requested by the State, represented by Chief State Advocate Chali Hambayi, so that Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha and Director of Public Prosecutions Gilbert Phiri can be present in person. The hearing on the merits is set for 11 November 2026.
The eighteen opposition members had appeared on treason charges in Lusaka on 19 October. Their application for release had been postponed on 20 October.
