COURT ALLOWS MILES SAMPA TO ATTEND POLITICAL ENGAGEMENTS BEFORE RESUMING TRIAL IN CYBERCRIME CASE
By Nelson Zulu
Lusaka Principal Magistrate Webster Milumbe has granted former Matero Member of Parliament Miles Sampa permission to attend to his political engagements before resuming his trial in a matter in which he faces one count of using a computer system to commit an offence, contrary to section 20 of the Cyber Crimes Act no. 4 of 2025.
Magistrate Milumbe allowed the application after defence Lawyer Jonathan Phiri informed the court that the accused is actively involved in political activities ahead of the elections and may not be readily available to attend scheduled proceedings during the campaign period.
The application was opposed by State Prosecutor Abraham Ngozo, who argued that court proceedings take precedence over political engagements and that there is no legal procedure permitting the deferment of criminal proceedings on such grounds.
Despite the objection, Magistrate Milumbe granted the application and adjourned the matter to August 25, 2026, to allow Mr. Sampa to participate in his political activities before the trial resumes.
Earlier, the court was informed by Mr. Sampa’s surety, Crispin Kabwe, that the accused was unable to attend the day’s proceedings because he was unwell.
However, Magistrate Milumbe raised concern that Mr. Sampa had failed to appear before the court on June 8, 2026, but was later seen on television participating in campaign activities.
This prompted the surety to produce a medical note, which he said had been forwarded through WhatsApp.
The case stems from allegations that Mr. Sampa used a computer system to publish claims that a fake polling station had been established along Lilayi road during the Chawama parliamentary by-election on January 15, 2026.
PHOENIX NEWS
COURT ALLOWS MILES SAMPA TO ATTEND POLITICAL ENGAGEMENTS BEFORE RESUMING TRIAL IN CYBERCRIME CASE
