Security Guard Faces Court Charges Over Alleged Insults Directed at President Hichilema via Facebook

Fretcher Mwansa, a 24-year-old security guard from Chimwemwe, Kitwe, has been brought to court on two counts: one for using insulting language and the other for hate speech.

In the first count, it’s alleged that between October 12 and 17 of this year, Mwansa used offensive language through a computer, intending to incite hatred against President Hakainde Hichilema.

The second count, also involving the use of insulting language, accuses Mwansa of similarly using a computer between the same dates to incite hatred against the President.

Appearing before Lusaka magistrate Trevor Kasanda to enter a plea, the magistrate noted that both charges seemed to stem from the same incident. Following this observation, the public prosecutor suggested dropping one of the charges, hate speech.

Magistrate Kasanda proceeded to amend the charges and read them out again. Mwansa pleaded not guilty.

The court informed Mwansa of his right to apply for bail, emphasizing that the offense was bailable. Until bail application and conditions are met, the accused remains in custody.