Zambian socialite and farmer Maria Zaloumis, popularly known as The Zedfarmer, has expressed deep concern over what she describes as a wave of public persecution, following her recent arrest in connection with a murder case currently before the courts.
Appearing visibly emotional, Zaloumis broke down in front of journalists outside the Kabwe Magistrate Court, lamenting the harsh public judgement she has faced.
She stated that being branded a murderer prior to any court ruling is not only unfair but also prejudicial to the legal process.
“I have already been convicted in the eyes of the public,” she said tearfully, adding, “It is painful and unjust to be labelled a murderer before a court of law has even determined the facts.”
Zaloumis made the remarks shortly before appearing for mention before Resident Magistrate Liswaniso Wamundila.
As the case continues to draw public interest, Zaloumis has appealed to the public and media to respect the legal process and refrain from passing judgment before the court delivers its verdict.
Meanwhile, Magistrate Wamundila adjourned the matter to October 6, 2025, for another mention due to pending instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The court could not proceed with the next stage of the trial.
This was after Zaloumis and four others appeared in the Kabwe magistrate court for mention.
In this case, The People vs. Maria Zaloumis, Nathaniel Barthram, Daniel Chilowa, Gift Daka, and Fortune Mwitangeti involving the alleged murder of Enock Simfukwe, which occurred on August 17, 2025, in Kabwe District.
All five accused are residents of the Munyama area.
The accused are being represented by lawyer Keith Katazo from the Zambia Legal Aid Board, while the State is being represented by prosecutor Naomi Mwansa from the National Prosecution Authority.
Persecution? Really? This coming from someone accused of murder, does not even blow wind in my face. She thought she was invisible. She actually thought she was making content for her social media. Wrong!
she forgets how Mumbi Phiri was persecuted by her party
A lot of Zambians and bantus of southern Africa that ingratiated themselves with Nigerians have paid a dear price. Inspite of nigeria’s big economy the country is overpopulated, and the competition to survive and show of has taken out the humanity/empathy in a lot of the people there. In the 1990s it was young zambian women being duped int drug smuggling and ending up on death rows in Asia.In the 70s and 80s we had professional Nigerians in Zambia teachers, doctors, engineers. Gibson Nwosu was a boxing promoter who put legendary Lottie Mwale on the world stage. You don’t get those anymore. Let this be a lesson
True about Nigeria. It’s dog-eat-dog in Nigeria. Be very wary.
Justice has to be served regardless of class, let the due process of the law take its full course. Justice must not only be done but it must be seen to be done.
If we the people notice anything fishy because of people’s connections we will still reignite the case when those connections are loose!!!
We are following and we need justice for Simfukwe
I agree. Let the courts do their work. You are innocent until proved guilty by the courts of law. I only pray you didn’t do it otherwise it’s a blow to lose such an iron lady in society.
But commenting by the accused in the media before the trial is allowed? OK maybe
She is not even in Handcuffs? Ah, the police officer looks Lozi. Sacred HH cow. She is headed home soon.
Kange Maria ka bulaile mutu, ha, and the death penalty is still on our statue books! Kache kono zemu ka buluke kwateni.