Arrest Zaloumis, KBF urges police
By Mast Reporter
THE failure by the police to arrest Maria Zaloumis for the murder of Enock Simfukwe raises a lot of political decisions made by those running the service, Zambia Must Prosper (ZMP) president, Kelvin Fube Bwalya, has said.
Bwalya popularly known as KBF, said it was shocking that Zaloumis was not arrested, despite evidence implicating her involvement in the murder of 20-year-old Simfukwe.
Bwalya said the failure to arrest Zaloumis raised serious questions about the integrity of the justice system and the selective application of the law.
“The Zambia Police Service’s inaction in apprehending Maria Zaloumis is unacceptable, given her alleged role in the crime scene and documented involvement in directing interrogation and torture,” he said.
Bwalya said selective justice in the management of the rule of law had become the hallmark of the UPND.
“The apparent amnesty for individuals connected to the ruling elite undermines trust in the justice system, as evident in the contrasting treatment of cases like Chitotela’s,” he said.
He said such conduct had wider implications, adding that it would perpetuate injustices if not addressed now.
Bwalya said the police conduct had been by far below mediocrity.
“Perpetuating such injustices will foster resentment towards the ruling elite and erode faith in the government’s commitment to upholding the law. The police conduct has been by far below mediocre, but this test may further score them a level below mediocrity,” he said.
He said excluding Zaloumis from the arrest when she should have been the main suspect was unacceptable.
“Life is sacrosanct and conduct of the police so far of excluding a prime suspect from arrest who was captured on audio/ video actively directing the interrogation and torture of a young man they had apprehended and was neither a danger nor had the capacity to flee…this is unacceptable. We urge President Hakainde Hichilema to personally intervene and instruct the Inspector General of Police to ensure the arrest of Maria Zaloumis and ensure a thorough investigation,” he said.
Bwalya said this was the only remaining opportunity for Hichilema to redeem himself after the mishandling the burial of late former president Edgar Lungu burial.
He said Hichilema should demonstrate commitment to justice beyond partisan interests.
“If the police fail to act, KBF, ZMP, and Tonse will pursue private prosecution of the matter. If denied by the DPP, it will confirm suspicions of selective justice and shielding of suspects with political connections. And such a decision will not go unnoticed by citizens,” said Bwalya.
