United Party for National Development (UPND) Nakonde Constituency Vice Chairperson for Administration Charles Sinyangwe has filed a lawsuit against the State.
He is seeking K4 million in compensation for alleged unlawful imprisonment linked to accusations of being involved in the gassing incidents of a few years ago.
In his statement of claim, Sinyangwe asserts that he was wrongfully detained for five days in connection with an incident involving mob violence against individuals suspected of gassing in a village near Nakonde.
He claims his arrest and detention were baseless, politically motivated, and without reasonable or probable cause.
According to the court documents filed in the Lusaka High Court, the incident occurred when Ginery Mundi Sichalwe and a Tanzanian pastor, while traveling on motorcycles, encountered a mob attacking suspected gassers.
Sichalwe reportedly informed Sinyangwe about the incident, prompting him to alert the Nakonde Police.
Despite his efforts, Sinyangwe alleges that police summoned him for interrogation regarding the incident.
He was questioned extensively but maintained that he was not present at the scene and had only learned of the events through Sichalwe’s report.
The police, however, allegedly implied his involvement and detained him along with other individuals, including pastors Kameme and Simpamba.
Sinyangwe was later transferred to Chinsali and detained without formal charges.
He claims his lawyer’s attempts to secure his release or a court hearing were ignored by the police, who insisted they were acting under instructions from senior provincial officers.
The plaintiff contends that his detention was unconstitutional, politically motivated, and caused significant emotional distress.
He accuses the police of acting unprofessionally and violating his rights.
Sinyangwe is demanding K3.5 million for unlawful detention and K500,000 for legal costs.
He is also seeking damages for mental anguish and distress and exemplary damages to deter similar conduct by law enforcement.
He wants interest on the amounts awarded.
Sinyangwe argues that his detention was a result of political persecution due to his affiliation with the UPND.
