By 
Francis Chipyoka, a Financial Analyst at the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA), has been formally charged with the murder of the institution’s Director-General, Guntila Muleya.
Chipyoka had withdrawn his habeas corpus application from the Lusaka High Court, which sought to address alleged violations of his fundamental rights due to restricted legal access.
His lawyer, Friday Mulenga Junior, confirmed the murder charge.
Chipyoka was apprehended on July 28, 2024, in Mansa following the fatal shooting of Muleya.
Police arrested Chipyoka as he allegedly attempted to flee to Congo.
Chipyoka’s legal team, led by Mulenga Junior, argued that his detention at Emmasdale Police Station without formal charges was both unlawful and unconstitutional.
They reported ongoing resistance and threats from police during attempts to meet with their client.
Despite sending two letters to Inspector-General of Police, Graphel Musamba, requesting intervention, no response was received.
The legal team also reported that Chipyoka’s vehicle was seized without a warrant and that he had not been issued a formal warning or caution statement.
The lawyers criticized the extended interrogations lasting over six hours and the continuous denial of legal representation as indicative of an abuse of power by the authorities.
In addition to Chipyoka, other suspects detained in connection with the case included two regular police officers, a reserve officer and a civilian.
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