The Lusaka High Court has upheld the conviction and 18-month jail sentence imposed on Tonse Alliance Secretary General, Raphael Nakacinda, for defaming President Hakainde Hichilema.
High Court Judge Anna Onnonuju confirmed the earlier ruling by the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court and issued a bench warrant for Nakacinda’s arrest after he failed to appear in court.
On Monday, October 20, 2025, Nakacinda was reportedly unwell when another of his cases, involving alleged tribal remarks, came up before the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court.
He was found guilty of falsely claiming that President Hichilema had summoned judges to his private residence in an attempt to influence judicial proceedings aimed at creating a one-party state. The accusation was made during a judicial review hearing involving eight Patriotic Front Members of Parliament who challenged their expulsion from Parliament by Speaker Nelly Mutti following the nullification of their seats