This afternoon, the Human Rights Commission of Zambia successfully facilitated the release of 28-year-old Jeremiah Nkunika, who had been arrested on Monday, May 12, 2025, in Lusaka.
Jeremiah faced charges related to the Prohibition of Harassment and Humiliation under Section 22 of the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025. Thanks to the Commission’s efforts, he was granted police bond and released from Kabwata Police Station around 1:00 PM today, pending a potential court appearance scheduled for May 29, 2025.
To ensure a smooth process, the Commission engaged with the Zambia Police Service, advocating for Jeremiah’s father, Mr. Peter Nkunika, to act as a surety despite not being formally employed, which had previously been a requirement. Mr. Nkunika is a well-known public figure operating a business on Cairo Road next to Photo Bank, making him a reliable and identifiable surety.
Earlier in the day, the Commission visited Jeremiah at Kabwata Police Station to assess his well-being and his right to liberty, in accordance with Article 13 of the Bill of Rights and Section 33 of the Criminal Procedure Code, Chapter 88 of the Laws of Zambia. Following these initial assessments, the Commission promptly reached out to both Jeremiah’s father and Police Officers at Police Service Headquarters to seek a fair resolution that upheld his rights.
The Commission extends its gratitude to the Police Officers at both Kabwata Police Station and Headquarters for their professionalism during this engagement and their swift adherence to the legal process.
Moving forward, the Commission will continue to monitor the case in alignment with its constitutional mandate, particularly to ensure compliance with Articles 13 and 18 of the Bill of Rights.
In the accompanying photo, from left to right: Ms. Mable Simwanda, Senior Complaints and Investigations Officer, HRC; Mr. Mathews Nkunika; Mr. Peter Nkunika; and Mr. Mweelwa Muleya, Director of Education, Training, and Advocacy (and Spokesperson) HRC.
