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Member of Parliament, Chisopa, sues State for K8 million over 2021 unlawful arrest, acquittal by court

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Mkushi South Member of Parliament, Davies Chisopa, has sued the State, seeking over K8 million in compensation for what he describes as a humiliating, baseless arrest that disrupted court proceedings and led to a prolonged two-year prosecution ending in acquittal.

In a statement of claim filed in the Lusaka High Court, Chisopa, who is also a businessman, stated that he was unlawfully apprehended by armed plainclothes police officers on September 19, 2021, while attending an election petition hearing before the High Court sitting in Mkushi.

He claims the officers forcibly dragged him about 150 meters to Mkushi Police Station, causing “embarrassment, fear, and anxiety.”

Read more: UPND’s Moonde sues state for K2 million over alleged defamation of character

The incident reportedly disrupted court proceedings, prompting Justice Kelvin Limbani to adjourn the matter and summon then officer-in-charge, Wellington Fwalanga m, to explain the interruption.

Chisopa was allegedly held for four hours before being charged with two counts of malicious damage to property and four counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was later released on police bond.

He says he was forced to attend court sessions for more than two years until his acquittal on September 1, 2023, after being found with no case to answer.

Chisopa argues that the charges were unfounded and that there was no reasonable or probable cause for his arrest, detention, or prosecution.

He claims to have incurred substantial expenses during the ordeal, including: K200,000 for transport and fuel, K90,000 for food, K150,000 for lodging for himself and supporters from Lusaka, Luano, and Mkushi, and K65,000 paid in legal fees, with a K335,000 legal bill still outstanding

He is also demanding compensation for emotional distress, punitive damages for the nature of his arrest on court premises, interest on the total amount, and legal costs.

The suit was filed through Messrs. Kaunda Kaunda & Mwila Legal Practitioners.

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