KAOMA QUESTIONS KELVIN KAUNDA’S CONTINUED DETENTION
Lusaka businessman Chomba Kaoma has questioned the continued detention of Lima Constituency Member of Parliament Kelvin Kaunda, accusing police officers of disregarding President Hakainde Hichilema’s guidance on detentions and investigations.
Mr Kaoma said Mr Kaunda was arrested last Thursday on an assault charge, which he described as bondable, adding that fellow MPs had submitted the necessary documentation to secure his release on police bond.
“It puzzles me how our colleagues disobey Presidential orders with impunity,” Mr Kaoma said, expressing concern over what he perceived as a failure to follow the President’s position on police bond.
He said Mr Kaunda had been charged before being detained, arguing that the development suggested investigations in the matter had been concluded.
Mr Kaoma said the continued detention had reached five days, raising concerns about compliance with the legal provisions governing detention and police bond.
“The law provides for 48 hours,” he said, adding that suspects should be considered for police bond where eligible sureties and the required documentation were available.
He urged officers responsible for arrests and detention to exercise fairness and compassion when handling suspects.
“Power and positions are temporary,” Mr Kaoma said, reminding public officers that their decisions could influence how they were treated after leaving office.
He urged those in authority to treat others with kindness, stressing that no position lasted forever.