As Zambia grapples with the dual challenges of political promises and the realities of governance, the struggle for accountability remains a poignant issue. Despite vows to enhance transparency and justice, recent events highlight a stark contrast between political rhetoric and actual practice.
In recent times, the detention of two brothers, Elijah and Ernest Kaumba, has underscored the growing concerns about human rights and freedom of expression under the United Party for National Development (UPND) government. Arrested for allegedly defaming President Hakainde Hichilema in a TikTok video, their two-month detention raised significant questions about the country’s commitment to justice and the rule of law.
However, the release of Elijah and Ernest on bail, following mounting pressure from human rights groups, activists, and the church, offers hope. This development underscores the power of collective advocacy and the importance of holding governments accountable to their promises of freedom and justice.
Elijah and Ernest should be compensated for wrongful detention. Hichilema has failed, he should step down. It is not defamation. If it is, defamation of the president law no longer exists in Zambia. Applying a non-existing law amounts to injustice.
Meanwhile, Zambia seeks help from Zimbabwe to extradite Petauke Central Independent Member of Parliament Emanuel JayJay Banda, who is alleged to be in Harare after escaping from police custody.
Mr. Banda, popularly known as JayJay, went missing on May 25, 2024, in the Ibex Hill area in Lusaka. He was found later but with injuries, which prevented him from appearing in public to share his account of the disappearance.
Following his recovery, JayJay was taken to a hospital for treatment where police took over his care. Speculations emerged alleging Mr. Banda had been abducted, prompting police intervention to facilitate investigations.
The opposition Patriotic Front (PF) accused the United Party for National Development (UPND) government of being behind Mr. Banda’s disappearance, claiming JayJay had identified his abductors as being connected to State House.
These allegations seem plausible, especially since the state prevented JayJay from speaking publicly. It is alleged he had several meetings with top UPND officials, all trying to persuade him to remain silent about his abduction.
Because the Petauke Central independent MP refused to be persuaded, he has been under police custody since then. Suddenly, his status changed from that of a victim of abduction to a criminal suspect. This complicated situation warrants another article to fully explain. JayJay was subjected to derogatory remarks while his abduction claim was being investigated. Refer to the article “HH Interfered with Investigations,” Lusaka Times, June 18, 2024.
One day, Mr. Banda fell ill and was admitted to a hospital, where he managed to escape through a window. Since then, pressure has been mounting on the government to explain his whereabouts.
Last month, the government announced Mr. Banda’s arrest in Zimbabwe. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Jack Mwiimbu, MP, informed the nation that the government is in the process of extraditing JayJay to Zambia. The nation is waiting for an update. Can Zimbabwe help in prosecuting Zambians? The UPND government risks being the most oppressive government Zambia has ever had.
By Venus N Msyani
How memories fade
What about the KK era ? we nearly on par
This is written by a person who was either born yesterday or only came to Zambia in 2021. The biased narration of the JJ Banda issue betrays the authors motives. Granted, there are some genuine concerns with human rights, but that doesn’t justify the exaggeration.
article written by a PF cadres with sever amnesia
Please stop using names from other provinces.
Please post your stuff here based on objectivity and merit and not the political parties position you belong to, the party position could be flawed and weired devoid of reality but packaged in toxic politics
Bill Prince is a resident of Kitwe, Kopala. How did he report the accused at Police HQ when Kalulushi is a district? What motivated the police to travel from Lusaka to arrest the two young men only to detain them without trial? Why is Bill among so many Zambians doing the rounds to report other citizens to the police? I remember, too, Munir Zulu’s Beengwa remarks being ballooned by Bill. Kaping’a Prince is so temperamental.
Zambia Forward. Really???
In any society they will be ‘innovative’ weak souls looking for recognition and money. These are survival instincts by the guy. This has been like this since the beginning of times.
@My Zambia, repeat in words what the two Kaumba brothers said actually that amounted to an offence in Zambia. This will amplify you perception of exergeration of offences committed by people such as Munir Zulu tirade over B****** people and Lumezi people as you say.
I refuse to be dragged into your way of thinking, Muna Dakhane.
I have already clearly made my point in black and white. My honest reference to Zulu is NOT like you have supposed. I ask you to read my comment loudly so you comprehend it.
Risks? They’re already the worst! Ask Jason Banda who was detained with another guy without trial for reminding HH of his election promises. Sayila Layisha detained for doing the same. Singer Maiko Zulu wrote on LT about how in Zed, an arrest happened every two days for defaming HH etc
That’s what I wanted to say too. Kaunda may have been a tyrant but his love for the country remains unbeatable. The man called for elections even when he had more than two years to go…. because we the MMD had become violent and threatened the country’s peace. Look at the way Chilangwa is being treated in prison…. someone carelessly confirmed that his imprisonment was on the orders of…..he publicly told a campaign meeting that it was only….who could order his release and this could only come if Upnd got the Kawambwa seat.
while government aimed at punishing the two Tik Tokers, it has been embarrassed by yielding to calls for their eventual court appearance. They previously refused them police bond for 2 months and wanted to keep them indefinitely in cells. How have the bail conditions suddenly been met at this neck breaking speed? They broke our trust. They will break their own rulership.
I like New Dawn Government. There are no longer any road blocks where the police used to ask me where I was going even when I was going to report for work.
Dont know where you live ?? Road Blocks 100 times worse
No roadblocks? Just read “BCT Exposes Corruption Epidemic in Zambia’s $2.26B Fraud and Police Greed Unveiled”
Any President deserves respect. It is not the President who will physically put nshima on your table. The laws of the country are clear. Someone can be locked up at the pleasure of the President. To the young generation, know that you are yet to grow up so when you insult those who are older than you, what you are doing is that you are insulting your own future. This is why it so important to respect our elders in society so that our future is secured. As young people, your job is to learn, and get a good education. With a good education, one can do any job except medical jobs which you need to go to medical schools.
Our book of life keeps on saying, respect elders so that you may live longer.
You don’t know what you are talking about.
……..
LT is becoming a bulletin board for disgruntled caders to express their frustration……….
Frustrations of barbed innuendos, rumours and unproven wild claims……
These one sided frustrations are mostly unproven…….
When the other side responds………
LT seems to ignore this………
Take the ambulance scandal LT reported on the other day, GRZ issued a response, yet…….
LT are acting blind and not showing the response
Let’s have ethical reporting
Forwadee 2031
Go to ZO where all pro government buffoons have gathered be cause pro opposition sentiments are heavily censored
The state of journalism in Zambia has gone to the dogs! Imagine an editor who pays such rubbish like this article!