PATRIOTIC Front chairperson for information and publicity Raphael Nakacinda failed to open his defence in the matter he has been found with a case to answer for allegedly defaming President Hakainde Hichilema after developing a headache.
Before he was released to go and recuperate, the magistrate had some word of advice for the vocal politician known for his signature binoculars around his neck.
“Being the first time the accused is asking for an adjournment and he’s sick, we have no control over sickness, I will give him a benefit of a doubt. But we should not hear you speaking anywhere after this, stay home, you are sick,” magistrate Irene Wishimanga said.
The matter will resume on May 19.
It is alleged that on December 13 last year in Lusaka, Nakacinda, with intent to bring the President’s name into disrepute, hatred, ridicule or contempt, caused to be published defamatory matter against Mr Hichilema.
The alleged defamatory words, which were aired on television stations, were uttered when the politician was addressing journalists at the Lusaka High Court.
When the case came up to defence, Nakacinda’s lawyer Nkula Botha applied that the case be adjourned because his client has an acute headache.
State prosecutor Alex Yanganani said the accused should just say he is unwell “not saying he has an acute headache without the presence of a medical report”.
