Bishop Trevor MwambaHeld At Matero Police Station As Family Demands Immediate Release
Bishop Trevor MwambaHeld At Matero Police Station As Family Demands Immediate Release
The family of UNIP President and retired Anglican Bishop Trevor Mwamba has broken its silence over his continued deten
tion, demanding his immediate and unconditional release and warning that Zambia must not criminalise the exercise of political rights.
In a statement dated Sunday, August 16, the family said it endured nearly 48 “harrowing” hours without knowing Mwamba’s whereabouts before establishing that he was being held at Matero Police Station.
According to the family, clergy and other visitors have since been allowed to see Mwamba and delivered medication, food and a blanket. He was reported to be in reasonably good spirits and had even conducted prayers for fellow detainees.
But the confirmation of his whereabouts has done little to extinguish the political controversy surrounding his detention.
The family questioned why Mwamba and other Zambians were apprehended, arguing that participation in political affairs is a fundamental democratic right that should never become grounds for arbitrary detention.
“Exercising one’s political rights should not be a crime,” the family declared, insisting that citizens must be allowed to participate freely and fairly in Zambia’s democratic process without fear of arrest.
They called on authorities to release Mwamba and any others who may have been wrongfully detained during what they described as a critical period in Zambia’s electoral history.
The statement also urged authorities to respect due process, human rights and democratic principles, placing fresh scrutiny on the treatment of political figures and citizens amid heightened tensions surrounding the electoral process.
The appeal was issued by Ambassador Mmasekgos Masire-Mwamba, Dr Freda Mwamba Brazle and Eno Mwamba.