Lusaka – Arrests and detention of political opponents in undisclosed locations. This is the concern raised by Caritas Zambia in a statement signed by its executive director, Father Gabriel Mapulanga, on the eve of the general elections being held today, August 13, amid heightened tensions .
“We are extremely concerned about the continuing reports of arrests and detentions of citizens, particularly those perceived to be politically active, by state agents,” says the statement sent to Fides. “Most distressing,” Caritas Zambia stresses, “is the fact that in many of these cases, the whereabouts of those arrested are unknown.” As a result, “families are left in anguish, uncertainty and fear.”
Caritas Zambia highlights the recent case involving Ambassador Martha Lungu Mwitumwa and her colleague, Ms. Hannah Katontoka. “To date, their families have not been informed of where they are being detained,” the statement says. “We also know that Ambassador Lungu suffers from a chronic medical condition and requires regular treatment. The lack of information is causing indescribable suffering to her family and loved ones.”
Ambassador Martha Lungu Mwitumwa is a former Zambian diplomat, while Hannah Katontoka is a blogger and journalist and a member of the media team associated with Brian Mundubile, the main opposition candidate for the presidency in today’s election. The two women were arrested on August 9 by Zambian police officers who raided a media center in Longacres, Lusaka.
Caritas Zambia recalls that “Zambia is a nation governed by the rule of law and the Constitution” and that every person “is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.” Caritas therefore calls on the relevant authorities to uphold due process at all times. This means that “if a person is suspected of having committed an offence, they must be formally charged and brought before the courts as soon as possible.”
In addition, the families of those detained must be informed of their relatives’ whereabouts. “Families have the right to know where their loved ones are and to be able to visit them, especially when medical needs are involved.”
“As we approach the August 13, 2026 general elections, we remind all institutions that actions perceived as arbitrary or secretive only fuel unnecessary speculation, mistrust and tension. This can undermine the peace we all desire,” Caritas says. “We therefore appeal to our law enforcement agencies to act professionally, transparently and in accordance with the law.”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.