Rights body calls out police over plight of 84 election detainees
By Thandizo Banda
THE Human Rights Commission (HRC) has urged the Zambia Police Service and the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) to immediately charge, grant bond to or release at least 84 people detained over the 2026 general elections.
In a statement issued yesterday, HRC Chairperson Dr Pamela Towela Sambo said prolonged detention without court appearance violates articles 13 and 18 of the Constitution and international human rights law.
“The commission is monitoring several cases. In Lusaka, Mr Alphonso Daka and 42 others arrested on 14th August in Roma Township remained in Chelston custody as of 1st September despite investigations being concluded,” Sambo said.
Six men arrested in Ng’ombe on August 13 – Mr Newton Miti, Joseph Phiri, Collins Kavwali, Kennedy Chimfwembe, Emmanuel Banda and Fredrick Machali – had spent 19 days in custody without charge. Mr Enock Roosevelt Tonga, arrested at the National Results Centre on 17th August, is also still detained,” she said.
Sambo said in Kalabo, 16 people including musicians Chester and Felix Phiri, and comedian IDC Light Comedy were granted bail after spending many days in custody on riotous behaviour charges.
“Eighteen others, including NRPUP presidential candidate Mr Brian Mundubile and running mate Mr Makebi Zulu, face treason charges following arrests in Kabulonga on 14th August,” she said
Sambo also flagged the case of opposition leader Kennedy Kamba, detained for about two weeks after being granted bail and only recently located at Kabwata Police Station.
She rejected claims that full police cells justify delays and urged the police to review all cases, disclose detainees’ whereabouts and allow access to family and lawyers. It also urged the NPA to act on dockets promptly.
The HRC said it will continue monitoring detention facilities.
