MUNDUBILE, MAKEBI AND 16 OTHERS SUE STATE
Incarcerated National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity -NRPUP- presidential candidate Brian Mundubile, his running mate Makebi Zulu and 16 others have petitioned Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha, Harrington Akushanga and Zambia Correctional Service Commissioner General Fredrick Chilukutu over alleged violations of their constitutional rights while in state custody.
The 18 petitioners, currently detained at Mukobeko Maximum Correctional Facility, include George Chisanga, Patrick Mwansa, Trevor Mwamba, Francis Mulenga, Brazil Soko, Jackson Mutyoka, Bernard Chewe, Richard Banda, Emmanuel Mulenga and Darius Mwila.
Others are Simon Phiri, Valden Findlay, David Chisopa, Ezra Tolopa, Dickson Tembo and Victor Muzyamba.
In the petition, they allege unlawful detention, denial of access to legal counsel and family members, and in some cases, inhuman and degrading treatment.
The petition further alleges that some detainees were held for extended periods without being informed of the charges against them, while others were transferred between police and correctional facilities without valid remand warrants or other lawful processes.
The petitioners allege that Mr. Mundubile, together with several others, was arrested following a raid at his residence in Kabulonga on August 14, 2026, during which they claim military and law enforcement personnel forcefully entered the property.
They also allege that former Lunte member of parliament Mutotwe Kafwaya was fatally shot during the incident, after which several of them were taken to a command centre and subsequently detained at various police stations.
The petition states that Mr. Findlay was taken from his residence in Chisamba on August 4, 2026, detained at Ibex Hill Police Station and later transferred to the incomplete section of Mwembeshi Correctional Facility, where he allegedly remained without access to family, legal representatives and prescribed medication.
Three other petitioners are alleged to have been detained for more than nine days after being picked up at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and subjected to torture and inhuman treatment, including alleged waterboarding and beatings.
The petitioners are asking the high court to declare their detention beyond the period reasonably necessary to bring them before a competent court and to order their release from correctional facilities unless there is a valid court order or lawful remand warrant.
They are also seeking declarations on denial of access to legal counsel, alleged torture and deprivation of medication, as well as damages for unlawful detention, mental anguish, indignity and consequential constitutional injury, together with costs.
PN
