COURT DISMISSES CASE OF UNLAWFUL DETENTION OVER LUSAKA CITY MARKET GUTTING
By Rhodah Mvula
The Livingstone High Court has dismissed the matter in which Nine Livingstone residents had sued the State demanding for K2.5 million each as compensation for unlawful detention.
The Nine were detained in connection to the gutting by fire of Lusaka City Market in 2017.
In this matter, Wonder Nakazuka, Kayata Chongo, Mulenga Chileshe, Clifford Sitali, James Hambulo, James Hambulu, Biggy Mubanga and David Samba had sued the State for compensation, for torture and illegal detention for 112 days without charge.
In a statement of claim filed in court, the plaintiffs said they were tortured and threatened to be killed by police if they did not help apprehend suspects who burnt Lusaka City Market.
However, in a court order dated 28th February 2022, Livingstone High Court Judge, Willie Sinyangwe dismissed the matter following failure by the plaintiffs to apply for the matter to enter judgement.
And the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Clement Andeleki says the court order is a temporary setback as the matter will be restored.