HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION RAISES CONCERN OVER PROLONGED ELECTION-RELATED DETENTIONS

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION RAISES CONCERN OVER PROLONGED ELECTION-RELATED DETENTIONS Human Rights Commission Chairperson Dr Pamela Towela Sambo has called on the Zambia Police Service and the National Prosecution Authority to ensure prompt due process for people who remain in prolonged detention following the 2026 General Elections. Dr Sambo says the Commission is monitoring cases involving […]

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION RAISES CONCERN OVER PROLONGED ELECTION-RELATED DETENTIONS

Human Rights Commission Chairperson Dr Pamela Towela Sambo has called on the Zambia Police Service and the National Prosecution Authority to ensure prompt due process for people who remain in prolonged detention following the 2026 General Elections.

Dr Sambo says the Commission is monitoring cases involving at least 84 people arrested in connection with election-related incidents and post-election security operations.

She says Alphonso Daka and 42 others, arrested on August 14th following commotion in Roma Township, remained in police custody as of September 1st, despite investigations reportedly having been concluded.

Dr Sambo has also raised concern over six people arrested during an operation in Ng’ombe Township on August 13th, who had spent 19 days in custody without being charged as of September 1st.

She says Enock Roosevelt Tonga, who was arrested at the National Results Centre

on August 17th, also remains in custody.

Meanwhile, Dr Sambo says the Commission is monitoring the case of 18 people charged with treason, including NRPUP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile, his running mate Makebi Zulu, and others arrested during a security operation in Kabulonga

The Commission has called for all the accused persons to be brought before a competent court without undue delay.

Dr Sambo has further expressed concern over the continued detention of Kennedy Kamba, who was reportedly granted bail but remains in custody.

The Commission has since called on police to review the legal status of all detainees, charge and take suspects to court where there is sufficient evidence, grant police bond where appropriate, and release those whose continued detention has no lawful basis.

It has also called for independent investigations into allegations of unlawful arrests, prolonged detention, enforced disappearances, denial of access to legal representation, ill-treatment and unlawful use of force.