Lusaka | January 15, 2026 – The High Court has granted an adjournment in the closely watched case of The People v Joseph Chishimba until late March, following a significant and last-minute change in the defence strategy.

Joseph Chishimba, 49, was scheduled to open his defence today, January 15, 2026, on a charge of Harassment utilising means of electronic communication, contrary to Section 69 of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act No. 2 of 2021.

During the hearing, defence counsel Mr. Kelvin Bwalya Fube applied for an adjournment, informing the court of “fresh instructions” from the accused.

This marked a significant tactical change from the defence’s previous declaration that Mr. Chishimba would remain silent. Counsel stated the accused would now give sworn testimony and call four witnesses, necessitating time for preparation.

The State, represented by prosecutor Ms. Mildred Muchimba of the National Prosecution Authority, objected to the application. Prosecutors submitted that procedural law requires an accused person who elects to testify to be the first witness, and that no substantive reason had been provided for the delay. In reply, Mr. Fube stated that preparation was incomplete as his legal firm had only recently reopened for the term.

The Court, presided over by Principal Resident Magistrate Idah Phiri, considered the submissions and adjourned the defence hearing to March 27, 2026, with continuation on April 2, 2026. A procedural mention is set for February 17, 2026, for which the accused has been excused from personal attendance.

The charge, detailed in court proceedings, stems from a series of alleged social media publications in March and April 2024. Prosecution evidence presented during the trial outlined that the posts contained serious and unsubstantiated claims regarding the personal life of Ms. Chipo Mwanawasa. Specifically, the State’s case contends that the publications falsely suggested an improper relationship and made reference to a non-existent pregnancy, thereby causing alarm and distress.

Testimony indicated the messages were calculated to harass the complainant by intruding upon her personal dignity and professional standing.

During the prosecution’s case, which closed in December 2025 after seven witnesses testified, the court heard that the alleged publications caused significant personal and professional distress. Ms. Mwanawasa, in her testimony, categorically denied the substance of the claims, stating they were entirely false and had brought considerable shame to her family.

Mr. Chishimba pleaded not guilty to the charge on January 27, 2025. After the trial, the State closed its case, the court ruled on December 11, 2025 that a prima facie case existed, placing him on his defence.