By 
Outspoken former Lumezi Member of Parliament, Munir Zulu, has cried foul over his alleged continued incarceration at Mukobeko Maximum Correctional Facility beyond his scheduled release date of December 7, 2025, asking the High Court to set aside the decision imposing a 60-day forfeiture of remission.
According to documents filed before the Lusaka High Court, Zulu was due to complete his sentence on December 7, 2025, but remained in custody after the Officer-in-Charge at Mwembeshi Correctional Facility imposed a 60-day remission forfeiture.
The Zambia Correctional Service Commissioner General, the Attorney General, and the Officer-in-Charge at Mwembeshi Correctional Facility have been cited as defendants in the matter.
Zulu, through his legal team, argued that the decision exceeded what the law allows.
Read more: Witness admits to being UPND cadre in sedition case against lawmaker Munir
He cited Section 75 of the Correctional Service Act No. 37 of 2021, which caps forfeiture of remission at 30 days of the total remission period.
He contended that the additional 30 days had no legal basis and resulted in his continued detention.
In his application, Zulu submitted that the excess forfeiture rendered his imprisonment unlawful and amounted to false imprisonment.
“Despite being scheduled to be released on December 7, the applicant remains illegally incarcerated in prison arising from the decision of the officer in charge at Mwembeshi who has imposed a 60 days forfeiture of remission on him even when the correctional services act only allows for a minimum forfeiture is 30 days of the total remission thus resulting illegal detention and false imprisonment of the applicant,” read the documents.
He accused the Officer-in-Charge of acting in bad faith and making a decision that was illegal, irrational and procedurally improper.
Zulu further argued that once the lawful remission period had been exhausted, there was no justification for keeping him in custody, as his sentence had effectively run its course.
He has, therefore, asked the court to set aside the decision imposing the 60-day forfeiture and to issue an order of mandamus compelling the Director General of Correctional Services to ensure his immediate release.
In addition, Zulu is seeking compensation for unlawful detention, mental anguish and vexation, along with costs and any further relief the court may deem appropriate.
In April last year, the Lusaka Magistrate’s Court found Zulu guilty of defaming Minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane, Minister of Infrastructure and Urban Development Charles Milupi, and then Road Development Agency board chairperson, Mulchand Kuntawala. He was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment with hard labour.
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