HIGH COURT ORDERS POLICE TO AVAIL DETAINED ZNBC JOURNALIST ON JULY 31 WITHOUT FAIL
By Nelson Zulu
Lusaka High Court Judge Elita Mwikisa has issued a writ of habeas corpus directing the police, through the state, to produce detained journalist McPherson Mukuka in court on 31st July 2026 at 09:30hrs.
The order follows concerns over Mr. Mukuka’s continued detention, after his arrest on 17th July 2026 and later charging with a cybercrime offence linked to the publication of a private conversation on 21st July 2026.
His lawyers, Malisa Partners, filed an application in the High Court on 23rd July after their client remained in custody without being granted police bond, arguing that his continued detention needed judicial review.
They asked the court to order that he be brought before a judge to examine the legality of his detention.
In her order, Judge Mwikisa directed that Mr. Mukuka be brought before court without fail and warned that Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha and Inspector General Graphel Musamba would be held in contempt if the order is disobeyed.
Mr. Mukuka is charged with “prohibition of recording a private conversation without prior notice” contrary to section 10 of the cybercrimes act no. 4 of 2025.
It is alleged that between 14th July and 17th July 2026, he used a Facebook page to publish an article containing an audio recording of a private meeting involving several individuals.
PHOENIX NEWS