Police clarify delay in granting bond for three suspects arrested in Lusaka; awaiting credible sureties and DPP consent.
Lusaka, Zambia, September 9 – The Zambia Police Service has addressed allegations of unlawful detention and the denial of police bond to three suspects arrested for seditious practices and unlawful assembly on August 28, 2024. Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga clarified that the delay in granting bond is due to the absence of credible sureties, not a violation of the suspects’ rights.
According to Hamoonga, the suspects—Jayson Mwanza, 28, a second-year Political Science student; Thomas Zulu, 53, a Lusaka businessman; and Chanda Chikwanka, 30, head of social media and research at the Youth Alliance for Leadership and Development—have not been released on police bond because no credible sureties have come forward to sign the necessary bonds.
“The law mandates that sureties meet specific legal criteria before a bond can be granted, ensuring that suspects adhere to their court appearances,” Hamoonga explained.
The three individuals were apprehended near the Freedom Statue in Lusaka for allegedly displaying a placard with seditious messages. On August 30, 2024, they were formally charged with one count each of Seditious Practices and Unlawful Assembly. The case has since been referred to the police legal department for review and is awaiting consent from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
However, the continued detention of the suspects, now over ten days, has drawn criticism from human rights organizations and political figures, who argue that the delay undermines the suspects’ rights and due process. Critics contend that the prolonged detention without bond could be seen as a violation of their fundamental rights.
In response, Hamoonga emphasized that the Zambia Police Service is committed to transparency and upholding the rule of law. “The Zambia Police Service remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all processes are conducted in a transparent and lawful manner,” he stated.
He urged the public to disregard any misinformation circulating about the case and assured that the detention and progression of the case are in line with Zambian legal procedures.
The suspects are expected to appear in court once all legal processes, including the DPP’s review, are complete.
Credit Nkani
