ZCS Denies Blocking Lawyers from Visiting Mundubile, Makebi Zulu
The Zambia Correctional Service (ZCS) has denied allegations that it blocked lawyers representing former Mporokoso Central Member of Parliament Brian Mundubile and lawyer Makebi Zulu from accessing their clients.
The Service said the lawyers were not denied access, but were required to comply with established identity verification and security procedures applicable to all visitors to correctional facilities.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday, ZCS Head of Public Relations Superintendent Cornelius Mwanza said some of the lawyers who initially presented themselves for the visit did not have the required documentation.
According to the Service, the lawyers were asked to return with the necessary documentation, while those who met the requirements were allowed to proceed.
ZCS said when the lawyers returned, they were asked to wait briefly while the standard screening process for other visitors was being completed.
However, the Service said the lawyers subsequently left before the process could be concluded.
The Correctional Service stressed that it recognises and respects the constitutional right of persons in its custody to legal representation and access to their lawyers.
It said the security and verification procedures should not be interpreted as a denial of that right.
“The procedures in place are not punitive but preventive,” the Service said, explaining that they are intended to protect inmates and legal professionals from potential misconduct or exploitation.
ZCS said it remains committed to facilitating access to legal counsel while ensuring that all visitors comply with security and verification requirements at correctional facilities.
The clarification follows media reports alleging that lawyers representing Mundubile and Zulu had been denied access to their clients.