NDC leader Chishimba Kambwili has again pleaded not guilty before Lusaka Magistrate Silvia Munyinya in the matter in which he is accused of expressing racial remarks against an Indian national.

In this matter, Kambwili is charged with one count of expressing or showing hatred, ridicule or contempt for persons because of race contrary to Section 70 (1) of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

Particulars of the offence allege that Kambwili on February 19, this year, expressed racial remarks on Rajesh Kumar Verma, an Indian national.

When the matter was first taken to court in February this year, it was allocated to magistrate Humphrey Chitalu where the accused pleaded not guilty and was granted K3,000 cash bail.

Magistrate Chitalu further ordered Kambwili to provide two working sureties residing in Lusaka, who would be bound in the sum of K10,000, in their own recognisance.

But after magistrate Chitalu was transferred to Chipata Magistrates’ Court, the matter was re-allocated to magistrate Munyinya.

And when the matter came up before magistrate Munyinya for fresh plea, Tuesday, Kambwili denied the charge.

The matter has been adjourned to July 12, 2019 for mention and August 7, 2019 for commencement of trial.

The accused’s bail has been extended.

Kambwili was arrested in February 2019 and charged with the said offence in relation to the viral social media video in which he was filmed having an altercation with an Indian who was operating a road compactor.