LUSAKA - The Lusaka High Court has ordered the Zambia Police Service to produce detained ZNBC journalist McPherson Mukuka before the court on July 31, 2026, for a review of the legality of his continued detention.
High Court Judge Elita Mwikisa issued a writ of habeas corpus, directing the State to ensure Mr. Mukuka is brought before the court at 09:30 hours without fail.
The order follows concerns over Mr. Mukuka's continued detention after he was arrested on July 17, 2026, and later charged with a cybercrime offence related to the publication of a private conversation on July 21, 2026.
His legal representatives, Malisa Partners, filed an application before the High Court on July 23, arguing that their client had remained in custody without being granted police bond and that the legality of his detention should be reviewed by the court.
The lawyers requested the issuance of a writ of habeas corpus requiring police to present Mr. Mukuka before a judge.
In her ruling, Judge Mwikisa directed that the journalist be produced in court as ordered and warned that Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha and Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba could face contempt proceedings if the order is not complied with.
Mr. Mukuka is charged with prohibition of recording a private conversation without prior notice, contrary to Section 10 of the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025.
The State alleges that between July 14 and July 17, 2026, he published an article on a Facebook page containing an audio recording of a private meeting involving several individuals.
Source: Phoenix News
By: Nelson Zulu