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Former President, Edgar Lungu, has instructed his legal team to challenge the arrest and detention of Ernest (22) and Elijah (26) Kaumba, two brothers from Kalulushi, Copperbelt Province, who have been held in police custody since October 3, 2024.
The brothers were allegedly detained for mocking President Hakainde Hichilema in a TikTok video.
In a Facebook post on Monday, Lungu described their detention as malicious and without charge, criticizing the ongoing imprisonment as a violation of their rights.
“As we count down to 10th December, we have instructed our lawyers to legally challenge & redeem Ernest and Elijah from this unlawful detention,” Lungu wrote, adding that the situation must end immediately.
The two brothers, who have been held for nearly two months, have not been formally charged.
Lungu emphasized his support for the brothers, assuring them that he stood with them in spirit.
Citizens First Party president, Harry Kalaba, also condemned the prolonged detention, calling it an unjust action.
Kalaba reminded President Hichilema that the detention of the young men was wrong on all levels, especially considering the president has children of a similar age.
“I have woken up to some disturbing news regarding two teens from Kalulushi, Elijah and Ernest, who have been in police detention for more than two months now since 3rd October, apparently for defaming President Hakainde Hichilema,” Kalaba said.
Kalaba urged President Hichilema to reconsider the detention, stressing that the brothers’ alleged offense was bailable.
He called on the president to ensure that the investigation be conducted while they remain free on bail, in line with pre-election promises of justice and fairness.
“These lads are 26 and 22. They were expressing their frustration. Why detain them against the law for two months?” Kalaba asked.
On Sunday, December 1, 2024, Catholic Archbishop of Lusaka, Dr. Alick Banda, alongside Vicar General Father Andrew Simpasa SJ, visited the detained brothers.
The Archbishop offered spiritual comfort, praying with them and bringing food and refreshments, as they have no relatives in Lusaka to provide support.
The visit was an act of compassion, with Archbishop Banda emphasizing the church’s commitment to supporting those in distress, particularly young people facing legal challenges.
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