Zambian politician and Secretary General of the Patriotic Front who was convicted in 2024 of defaming the President and in 2026 of seditious practices.
Most recent filing 6 Aug 2026Last confirmed 27 Oct 20264 sources
Question
What is Raphael Nakacinda’s legal position?
Present position
ConvictedPresent position
He was convicted and fined K2,400 for seditious practices in August 2026; the NPA reported no appeal decision had been announced at press time.
Detail
Seditious practices (September 2024 statements about an alleged raid on Edgar Lungu's residence)
Convicted
He was convicted and fined K2,400 for seditious practices in August 2026; the NPA reported no appeal decision had been announced at press time.1
Authority
Lusaka Magistrate's Court; National Prosecution Authority of Zambia
Status as of
6 Aug 2026
History
Sep 2024Publicly claimed that law enforcement agencies planned a raid on the Chifwema residence of former President Edgar Lungu.
6 Aug 2026Magistrate Sylvia Munyinya convicted him of seditious practices and fined him K2,400, or three months' imprisonment in default.
Defamation of the President (section 69, Penal Code, since repealed)
Convicted
He was convicted and sentenced to 18 months in May 2024; Zambia Monitor reported in October 2025 that the High Court upheld the conviction and that he surrendered to serve the sentence.234
Authority
Lusaka Magistrate's Court; High Court for Zambia (appeal)
Status as of
17 May 2024
History
Dec 2021Alleged that President Hakainde Hichilema had summoned judges to his residence (statements underlying the charge).
Dec 2022Section 69 of the Penal Code repealed; the case, begun earlier, continued.
17 May 2024Convicted and sentenced by a Lusaka magistrate to 18 months' imprisonment with hard labour.
Oct 2025Zambia Monitor reported that the High Court upheld the conviction on appeal (not corroborated by another outlet).
21 Oct 2025Zambia Monitor reported that, after a bench warrant was issued, he presented himself at the Lusaka High Court to serve the 18-month sentence.