UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema wants to take a reconciliation route with EEP president Chilufya Tayali in a matter where he dragged the latter to court for defamation.

In this matter, Hichilema dragged Tayali to court for publishing defamatory matters against him.

It is alleged that Tayali on dates unknown but between October 1, 2018 and October 9, 2018, in Lusaka, did unlawfully publish defamatory matter concerning Hakainde Hichilema, with intent to injure his reputation by exposing him to hatred, contempt and ridicule and to damage him in his profession, trade and standing in society.

Tayali allegedly published defamatory matter concerning Hichilema in form of a Facebook post and by publication on various media including through videos and on radio where he said “Ba Lungu please wake up, HH wants to usurp power using civil disobedience and violence…”

He had however denied the charge.

But when the matter came up for commencement of trial before magistrate Felix Kaoma, Friday, Hichilema’s lawyer Lastone Mwanaabo informed the court that he could not proceed with trial because Hichilema and Tayali wanted to explore a resolution on the issues that led to the filing of the complaint before court.

He said he was in receipt of instructions from Hichilema to formalize the reconcilation route if possible, between the two parties.

Mwanaaba later asked the court to adjourn the matter, to which Tayali’s lawyers did not object to.

In response, magistrate Kaoma granted the application for an adjournment saying the law allowed parties to reconcile outside court especially on minor issues, to promote reconciliation.

The matter has been adjourned to December 28, 2018 for mention and January 18, 2019, for a status report.

Last week, Tayali held media briefing where he asked Hichilema to forgive him.