African Justice Uproar: 43 Tonse Alliance Members Mount Legal Challenge Against Detention!

Forty-three members of the Tonse Alliance have initiated legal proceedings in the Lusaka High Court, challenging their ongoing detention. Among the applicants is Joseph Kaseya from Kabanana, an Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ)-accredited election monitor for the NRPUP, who alleges he was brutally beaten by armed men after completing election-related duties and has since been unlawfully detained.

In an affidavit filed on September 4, Kaseya provided a detailed account of the incident that occurred on August 14. He stated that his responsibilities included ensuring that party agents stationed at various polling stations within his constituency received essential supplies, such as food. On the day of the incident, while returning from the Olympic Africa totalling centre, Kaseya was driving his red Honda Fit, bearing registration number CEA 3084 ZM, a vehicle he also utilized as a taxi.

Kaseya recounted seeing a white Land Cruiser carrying individuals he identified as military personnel, based on their combat uniforms and maroon berets, heading towards Ng’ombe Compound. Shortly after, another vehicle blocked his path. Armed men, similarly dressed in military attire, then ordered him at gunpoint to lie on the ground. Fearing for his life, and noting that he was unarmed, unresisting, and openly displaying his ECZ accreditation, Kaseya complied.

Despite his compliance, Kaseya alleged that the men proceeded to kick and assault him while he was lying on the ground. When questioned about his activities, he explained that he had been collecting food for election agents. According to Kaseya, one of the men then read his ECZ identification card and declared, “Nicha Mundubile,” after which the beating intensified. Kaseya described his predicament, stating, “I was on the ground helpless and unable to defend myself while armed men were attacking me.”

Furthermore, Kaseya alleged that the men confiscated his phone, compelled him to unlock it, and instructed him to call several individuals, including Amai Lamba. He claimed he was repeatedly beaten, sprayed, and soaked with water and another substance during this ordeal, all while pleading for his life. Kaseya also reported that the men questioned him about a panga and a firearm they claimed to have found, items he vehemently denied any knowledge of. He further alleged that K400 he had set aside for fuel was taken from him during a search and has not been returned.

Following these events, Kaseya, along with other applicants, including election monitors who had been apprehended from different locations, was taken to Chelston Police Station. He stated that he was restrained with cable ties and has remained in custody since August 14 without being formally charged with an offence. Kaseya also alleged that he has been denied bond and was initially refused access to both his family and his lawyer, raising significant concerns regarding due process and human rights.