UN & CHURCH CALLS TO RELEASE MUNDUBILE & MAKEBI: A BETRAYAL OF THE DUO
Authored By; Mupishi Jones
Recent calls by the United Nations (UN)and the Catholic Church for the Zambian government to release Hon. Brian Mundubile and Hon. Makebi Zulu amounts to a betrayal of the two opposition leaders and here are my reasons;
- The UN and the Catholic Church knew the charges were serious.
Both Mr. Mundubile and Mr. Makebi were aware that Zambia’s security agencies were seeking them in connection with allegations of operating a private militia. That is why they sought refuge at the UN premises in Lusaka.
The UN and the Church were also aware that the allegation under consideration was treason — an offence under Zambian law that is non-bailable.
- The UN and the Catholic Church facilitated the handover knowing the legal consequence
By escorting or handing the two men over to Zambia Police, the UN and the Church effectively delivered them into a process where bail is not legally permissible at the point of arrest and charge for treason.
To now turn around and publicly demand their release, is to ask law enforcement to act contrary to the Penal Code they are sworn to uphold.
- It’s contradictory
This is like leading someone to the edge of a crocodile-infested river, and then pleading with the crocodile not to bite.
The very UN and the Catholic Church that facilitated their entry into police custody are now condemning the legal outcome that was predictable from the start.
In my view,if the concern is truly for the rights of Mundubile and Makebi, then the focus should be on the following:
- Due process
That investigations are concluded without undue delay
- Fair trial
That they are allowed legal representation and access to courts as provided under Article 18 of the Zambian Constitution
- Humane treatment
That their rights while in custody are respected
Criminal allegations must be tested in court, not in press statements.
Calling for release outside of the legal process undermines both the accused and the rule of law.
In conclusion both the UN and the Catholic Church had a duty of care the moment they offered sanctuary to Mundubile and Makebi.
To hand the two over knowing the charge was treason, and then to demand their release,worse still dragging in even the innocent name of President Hakainde Hichilema,leaves Mundubile and Makebi exposed.
THAT IS THE DEFINITION OF BETRAYAL WHICH BOTH THE UN AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH CANNOT RUN AWAY.
I submit
Mupishi Jones