I’ll Come When My Safety Is Assured – Pilato

EXILED musician Chama Fumba a.k.a Pilato says he will avail himself before the courts in Zambia as soon as he is assured of safety.

Pilato left Zambia last month following threats on his life allegedly by the ruling party cadres following his of the Koswe Mumpoto sing which criticizes the PF government’s corruption and theft.

Since his departure, Pilato has failed to appear in court for a case where he and human rights activist Laura Miti, and four others are charged with disobeying lawful orders when they protested the government’s purchase of 42 fire tenders in September last year.

Lusaka principal resident magistrate Mwaka Mikalile issued a bench warrant against Pilato on Monday.

The accused were last week supposed to take plea before magistrate Mikalile but could not because she was not available.

Pilato was also not in court as he is reportedly in South Africa where he has sought refuge following death threats.

Allegations are that Miti, Fumba, Bornwell Mwewa, Lewis Mwape, Mika Mwambazi and Sean Tembo on September 29, 2017 in Lusaka jointly and whilst acting with other persons unknown disobeyed the lawful order issued by the police to stop demonstrating at Zambia National Assembly.

When the case was called on Monday, five of the accused were present but they could not take plea due to Pilato’s absence.

This prompted public prosecutor Dennis Manda to apply for a bench warrant which the court granted, returnable tomorrow (Friday).

Commenting on the bench warrant in a posting on his Facebook page, Pilato stated: “I have been informed that a bench warrant has been issued on me. I do not run [away] from the law and I will make myself available in our respectable courts as soon as [I] am assured of my safety. Zambia is my home and never will I stay away for too long…that’s where I belong. Thanks.”

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