By Brian Matambo | Lusaka

The Lusaka High Court will on 10th November 2025 deliver its ruling in the bail application pending appeal for Patriotic Front and Tonse Alliance Secretary General, Honourable Raphael Mangani Nakachinda.

The application was heard today before Justice Anne Mary Kachenga Malata Ononuju, who earlier upheld Honourable Nakachinda’s 18-month jail sentence for alleged criminal defamation of President Hakainde Hichilema.

Honourable Nakachinda’s legal team, led by Lawyer Jonas Zimba, expressed optimism following the hearing.

“We have argued our case and believe the prospects of success are high,” Zimba said after the court session. “Our main point is that at the time of sentencing, the law under which Honourable Nakachinda was convicted had already been repealed. But the final decision now lies with the court.”

He commended the court for its efficiency in handling the matter within a short period, noting that the ruling date was set promptly after arguments were concluded.

Honourable Nakachinda’s conviction stems from comments he made accusing President Hichilema of interfering with the Judiciary to punish political opponents. The law on criminal defamation, however, was repealed in December 2022, while Honourable Nakachinda was sentenced in May 2024, sparking widespread legal and public debate about the fairness and legality of his conviction.

If the court grants bail pending appeal, Honourable Nakachinda could be temporarily released while awaiting a full hearing on the substantive appeal against his conviction and sentence.