UPND CADRES’ COMPENSATION JAMBOREE EXPANDS

…as Patrick Samukimba, a ruling party member demands K3.5m for being arrested for being in possession of game meat

ANOTHER UPND member has joined the long list of those seeking compensation from the State for alleged false imprisonment and malicious prosecution, with the new litigant claiming K3.5 million.

Mr Patrick Samukimba, who was accused of being in possession of game meat and elephant tusks in 2018 has sued the Attorney General in the Lusaka High Court alleging that he was maliciously prosecuted for being a member of the then opposition UPND.

In his statement of claim, Mr Samukimba stated that was arrested on March 4, 2018 by Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) on allegations that he was in possession of game meat and elephant tusks.

He stated that when the officers conducted a search at his home in Kanyama Compound in Lusaka, they did not find the game meat or tusks but only found the handle to a mauser rifle.

Mr Samukimba, having notified the officers about his gun, he was driven to his farm in Mumbwa where it was collected.

“He was denied bail and was brutally beaten on his arrest and during his detention by ZAWA officers in an attempt to get a confession out of him. As a result of the said inhuman beating, he has been left with a hearing impairment and back discomfort,” he said.

He was later charged with the offence of unlawful possession of a firearm contrary to section 10(1) (2) (a) (b) of the firearms Act Chapter 110 of the laws of Zambia.

After appearing before the Subordinate court for over a month, Mr Samukimba stated he was discharged of all charges against him on May 2, 2018.

He stated that while in detention, he lost bountiful harvest of a maize field worth K3, 700 and profits in the business of charcoal making amounting to K80, 000.