Crime & Courts
Nsofwa challenges detention, cites ‘filthy’ Kabwata cells
Former Zambia Police Service Director of Investigations, Michel Nsofwa, has applied to the Lusaka High Court for a writ of habeas corpus, challenging his continued detention and alleging that he is being held in “filthy” and inhumane conditions at Kabwata Police Station. Nsofwa has cited…
Picture: Zambia Monitor
Former Zambia Police Service Director of Investigations, Michel Nsofwa, has applied to the Lusaka High Court for a writ of habeas corpus, challenging his continued detention and alleging that he is being held in “filthy” and inhumane conditions at Kabwata Police Station.
Nsofwa has cited the Zambia Police Service, the Officer-in-Charge of Kabwata Police Station and the Attorney General as respondents.
In an affidavit filed in support of his application, Nsofwa said he was arrested on September 12, 2026, after more than 50 armed police officers allegedly surrounded his home at about 05:00 hours.
He said officers handcuffed him and searched his house despite his request to see a search warrant.
“I asked them if they had a search warrant but they said they did not have one,” Nsofwa said.
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He alleged that police confiscated his mobile phones and proceeded with the search despite his request to contact a lawyer.
Nsofwa said officers also searched his farm but found nothing incriminating.
He further claimed that since his arrest, he had not been informed of the reason for his detention, charged with any criminal offence or brought before a court.
Nsofwa also alleged that the cells at Kabwata Police Station were overcrowded, poorly ventilated and lacked adequate sanitation.
“The cells are terrible and filthy, and so crowded that there is no space for sleeping and poor ventilation,” he said.
He claimed inmates were taking turns to sleep and spent much of their time standing or squatting.
Nsofwa further alleged that he was unwell and had been denied medical attention despite requesting to be taken to hospital.
He is asking the Lusaka High Court to order that he be brought before it immediately so that the legality of his detention can be determined.
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Source: Zambia Monitor — Read more
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