A rare mark of professionalism by magistrate Peter Mungala should be commended by all well meaning Zambians.
Mungala, a Tonga, has recused himself from the politically influenced trial of social media commentator Why Me who was arrested outside jurisdiction.
Why Me, whose real name is Francis Kapwepwe, has been charged for hate speech against the Tonga speaking people.
He was arrested in Zimbabwe by renegade police officers who had no jurisdiction to do so.
The Why Me case is heavily tainted and any competent court can’t entertain it.
Today, Lusaka Resident Magistrate Peter Mungala has recused himself from handling the case.
Magistrate Mungala cited professional grounds for his decision to step aside from the matter, which came up today for a ruling on the defence’s application regarding the court’s jurisdiction.
He informed both parties that he could not proceed with the case and has referred it back to Chief Resident Magistrate Davis Chibwili for reallocation.
Once reassigned to a different court, Kapwepwe, aged 29, will be expected to take a fresh plea.
Kapwepwe is facing three counts of hate speech and expressing or showing hatred, ridicule, or contempt toward individuals based on race, tribe, place of origin, or colour.
#FrancisKapwepwe
#WhyMeTikTok
