Two men of Mongu, Western Province, a soldier and businessman, have appeared in the Lusaka Magistrate Court on two counts of seditious practices.

The duo, Gift Malezo, 25, a businessman and Moonga Kachimba, 38, a soldier, are alleged to have uttered seditious words against the ruling Patriotic Front and its leaders.

Particulars of the offence in count one are that Gift Malezo and Moonga Kachimba, on July 13, 2018, in Mongu Western Province, uttered seditious words namely; “chikala Kampyongo, this is just a friendly warning naba PF, you have stolen a lot, FIC (Financial Intelligence Unit) has brought the truth, we have been watching, remember 1997 what happened, what Zimbabwe Army did small. Through the army units we have strong trained platoons, which are preparing for the same exercise. You think we are happy with the peanuts we get if you become a fun, copper will end up in your heads.”

And in count two, the accused persons on the same date in Mongu, Western Province, uttered seditious words namely; “Kampyongo, you go and tell your foolish Lungu that we are not fools, serious President Mnangagwa awarded the soldiers with 22 per cent salary. I know where our generals go to train, but we say enough is enough. Last time, we were promised 50 per cent salary just that coup in Zimbabwe, the VEEP said this, we are not kids to be treated, watch your backs.”

And when the matter came up for plea before magistrate Alice Walusiku, Tuesday, the duo, who are remanded in custody, could not take plea after the State applied for an adjournment, saying the indictment needed to be attended to.

“Before they can take plea, the indictment needs to be worked on. We apply that the matter comes up on August 30, 2018, for plea,” the State said.

The court, however, denied the duo bail, saying they could only apply for bail after taking plea.

“You can only do that after I have attended to your matter. Then that’s when you can apply for bail,” Magistrate Walusiku said.

The matter has been adjourned to August 30, 2018 for plea.