The Mabumba Royal Establishment of the Ushi people has called for the immediate release of Liberal Democrats Party presidential candidate Xavier Franklin Chungu, saying his continued detention raises concerns about adherence to constitutional protections and due process.
In a statement issued on June 8, the traditional authority said Mr Chungu has remained in custody since his arrest on May 28, placing the matter at the centre of growing public interest less than three months before Zambia’s General Election on August 13.
The Royal Establishment said the case had moved beyond a routine criminal proceeding and had become a matter touching on personal liberty, judicial authority and the rights guaranteed to every citizen under the Constitution. According to the statement, the High Court granted Mr Chungu bail on June 4 after police allegedly failed to bring him before a magistrate within the period required by law.
The traditional authority stated that despite the court’s ruling, Mr Chungu remained in custody. It further alleged that he was re-arrested by Zambia Police on June 5 on substantially similar facts, a development it said had raised fresh legal questions surrounding the handling of the matter.
The Royal Establishment said the latest offences attributed to Mr Chungu are offences for which police bond and bail are ordinarily available. It described his continued incarceration as unacceptable and urged authorities to apply the law fairly and consistently.
The statement stressed that its intervention should not be interpreted as a declaration on Mr Chungu’s guilt or innocence. Instead, it said its concern centres on the principle that every accused person is entitled to equal treatment before the law and to the protections provided by the Constitution.
The traditional authority said prolonged detention beyond constitutional safeguards has implications for personal liberty, the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair and timely hearing. It urged authorities to uphold these protections and to allow the judicial process to proceed without actions that could undermine public confidence in the administration of justice.
The intervention marks a rare public position by a traditional authority on the detention of a presidential candidate during an active election period. The statement places the Mabumba Royal Establishment among the institutions that have publicly commented on the legal and constitutional aspects of the case as political parties prepare for the August polls.
The Royal Establishment also called on authorities to end what it described as continuing violations of citizens’ rights, including those affecting people from Luapula Province. It said public institutions must remain guided by the Constitution and the rule of law irrespective of political considerations.
At the time of the statement, no response from government, Zambia Police or prosecuting authorities was included.
The Royal Establishment said its position remains that Xavier Franklin Chungu should either be afforded the legal protections available under the law or be brought before the courts without delay so that the matter can proceed through the judicial system in accordance with constitutional requirements.
This is what others should have done in Lungus burial impasse. Fighting for peoples rights
The Mabumba Royal Establishment has taken a rare public stand on the detention of a presidential candidate during an active election period, reminding us that the Constitution and the rule of law must guide all actions, regardless of political considerations.
As we approach the August polls, this position reinforces that three branches of government exist to serve the people and uphold the law, not to undermine.
It urged authorities to stop ongoing violations of citizens’ rights, including those from Luapula Province, and to apply the law consistently.
What nonsense about three branches there is only a single lone branch with saplings feeding off it
Three branches exist to check and balance power, not to be a “vine” you can prune at will. In five years, where is the public education on governance and accountability? If you think one party alone can govern without safeguards, you’re the one undermining democracy. Checks and balances are not optional; they’re essential for all of us.
Not long ago, Bitcoin investing felt like the best decision I’d ever made. I was earning impressive profits across several platforms, and my satisfaction kept growing. But everything changed when I accidentally stumbled into a fraudulent Bitcoin scheme. They tricked me out of $92,000 USD, locked my withdrawal requests, and pressured me to send even more money. Then, luckily, I discovered (R£SQPRO FIRM) online. After I told them what had happened, they stepped in immediately and managed to recover all my lost Bitcoin. I can’t express how grateful I am for their professionalism and support. Contact: ResQprofirm AT aol.com, Telegram @resqprofirm, WhatsApp +1 9 8 5 2 9 6 9 1 4 6.
Who cares! Let this thief rot in jail.