By 
Forty-three members of the Tonse Alliance have gone to the Lusaka High Court challenging their continued detention, with one alleging he was beaten by armed men after carrying out election-related duties.
Joseph Kaseya of Kabanana told the court that he was an Electoral Commission of Zambia-accredited election monitor for the NRPUP and was attacked on August, 14 while openly displaying his ECZ identification card.
In an affidavit filed on Sept. 4, Kaseya said he was responsible for ensuring that party agents stationed at polling stations in his constituency received food and other supplies.
He said that on August 14, while returning from the Olympic Africa totalling centre, he was driving his red Honda Fit, registration number CEA 3084 ZM, which he also used as a taxi.
Kaseya said he saw a white Land Cruiser carrying people he believed were military personnel, dressed in combat uniforms and maroon berets, travelling towards Ng’ombe Compound.
He alleged that shortly afterwards another vehicle blocked his path and armed men in military attire ordered him at gunpoint to lie on the ground.
Kaseya said he complied because he feared for his life and was unarmed, was not resisting and was openly displaying his ECZ accreditation.
He alleged that the men then kicked and assaulted him while he lay on the ground.
When questioned about what he was doing, Kaseya said he explained that he had gone to collect food for election agents.
According to Kaseya, one of the men read his ECZ identification card and said, “Nicha Mundubile,” after which the beating intensified.
“I was on the ground helpless and unable to defend myself while armed men were attacking me,” he said.
Kaseya further alleged that the men took his phone, forced him to unlock it and instructed him to call several people, including Amai Lamba.
He said he was repeatedly beaten, sprayed and soaked with water and another substance while pleading for his life.
Kaseya said the men later questioned him about a panga and firearm they claimed to have found, but he denied any knowledge of the items.
He also alleged that the men took K400 he had kept for fuel during a search and that the money had not been returned.
Kaseya said he was subsequently taken to Chelston Police Station with other applicants, including election monitors who had been picked up from different locations.
He said he was restrained with cable ties and had remained in custody since August 14 without being charged with an offence.
Kaseya further alleged that he had been denied bond and was initially denied access to his family and lawyer.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments