David Kazadi Case Update: State Enters Plea Negotiation Agreement
The legal case involving Zambian filmmaker David Kazadi, Mwaka Halwindi and Ruby Muzandu has taken a new turn after the State entered into a plea-negotiation agreement with the accused persons, who are facing charges related to the alleged production, possession and circulation of obscene material.
The development came to light when the matter appeared before Lusaka Magistrate Kawama Mwamfuli for the commencement of trial. However, the State asked the court for an adjournment to allow it to serve the plea-negotiation application on the defence.
Following the request, the court adjourned the matter to November 18, 2026, when further proceedings are expected to take place.
A plea negotiation, commonly known as plea bargaining, is a legal process in which the prosecution and an accused person reach an agreement regarding the charges. Depending on the agreement, an accused person may agree to plead guilty to a particular charge in exchange for certain concessions from the prosecution, subject to the court’s consideration and approval.
In this particular case, David Kazadi, Mwaka Halwindi and Ruby Muzandu are facing allegations involving the production, possession and circulation of obscene material.
Muzandu is also accused of circulating and possessing the alleged material, charges she has denied. According to the State, the alleged offences took place between January 2023 and June 2025, during which Muzandu allegedly circulated the material through a WhatsApp group known as “Trip to South Africa”.
Meanwhile, Kazadi is accused of sharing videos involving Mwaka Halwindi, alongside other allegedly explicit content, within the same period.
The latest development has attracted public attention as the case involves individuals connected to the local entertainment and film industry. The proposed plea-negotiation process could become an important part of the next stage of the proceedings.
However, the matter remains before the court, and the allegations should not be treated as established facts. Further developments are expected when the case returns to court on November 18.
