Kabwe High Court judge-in-charge Kelvin Limbani has issued a significant order directing five murder accused persons, including Mwangala Zaloumis, to be brought before a subordinate court. This decision follows an application for habeas corpus, highlighting concerns that the accused had been held in police custody for close to a month without a court appearance, in contravention of the law requiring presentation before a competent court within 72 hours of arrest and charge. Justice Limbani mandated their appearance by September 22, 2025, for mention in the Kabwe subordinate court.

The five individuals, including Zaloumis, were arrested last month in connection with the murder of 22-year-old Enoch Simfukwe on August 17. A postmortem examination on Simfukwe’s corpse revealed the cause of death as blunt force head injury, brain contusion, and brain edema, indicating a severe beating. Principal state advocate Paul Kachimba informed the court that the suspects had been officially charged and arrested. The defense, led by lawyer Keith Katazo, contended that prolonged custody without court appearance was against natural justice, insisting that the suspects should either be heard in court or released. The State, while preempting its affidavit in opposition, noted that the case docket was still with the Director of Public Prosecution for perusal and instructions.

Adding to the proceedings, an incident of harassment unfolded at Kabwe High Court when police officers and officials believed to be from the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), who had accompanied ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis to court, along with families of the accused, caused a stir. These individuals reportedly ordered police to arrest journalists from various media houses who were seen capturing pictures of the accused. Reporters Munambeza Muwanei from Times of Zambia, Chambo Ng’uni from Zambia Daily Mail, and Thandizo Banda from The Mast newspaper faced direct harassment and attempts to confiscate their cameras and smartphones.

Despite the intimidation, the journalists courageously resisted these attempts. They subsequently sought protection from the provincial high command, urging them to address the overzealous police officers and educate them on the crucial role of journalists in covering legal proceedings. The reporters have since formally reported the matter to the police in Kabwe, seeking assurance of protection from further harassment as the trial is set to commence on Monday.