UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT ALLEGED AGAINST ZAWA OFFICERS IN SIKONGO AND KALABO

 

On 13 January 2026, ZAWA officers were discovered by Headman Muhongo after setting up camp near Sihendo Village in Sikongo District, Western Province. Upon noticing the tents, the Headman approached the area to identify the individuals. When he attempted to inquire, the officers instructed him not to come near the camp. The Headman subsequently dispatched villagers to verify who had established the camp near their settlement.

When the first group of youths arrived, they were reportedly ordered to lie on the ground by armed ZAWA officers, who allegedly began beating them. The officers only ceased when former Headman Moses Mutuso (aged 101) and Mr. Mundia Mutuso (aged 58), a veterinary officer from the same village, arrived. The two questioned the officers’ identity and purpose, noting that they were not in uniform and had not informed local leadership of their presence. The officers claimed they were on duty to safeguard trees in the area, a response that did not satisfy Mr. Mutuso.

He then requested that the officers summon their superiors to provide further explanation to the community. The officers contacted their superiors, who instructed the villagers to wait at the camp for their arrival at midnight. The senior officers arrived at approximately 01:00 hrs. Upon arrival, they allegedly surrounded the villagers, ordered them to lie down, and proceeded to beat them. The alleged assault continued from 01:00 hrs to 05:00 hrs, reportedly sparing no one, including the 101 year old elder, who at one point asked the officers to kill him instead of prolonging the beatings.

At around 05:00 hrs, the officers selected six individuals including Mr. Mundia Mutuso, Mr. Mulimi Kabutu, and Mr. Moses Simakando and transported them to Sikongo Boma. It is alleged that the individuals were further assaulted en route. From Sikongo, they were transferred to Kalabo Police cells for one night and subsequently to Kalabo Correctional Facility on remand. since their placement at Kalabo Correctional Facility, the six individuals have repeatedly requested medical treatment for injuries sustained during the incident.

 However, the efforts of their colleagues Mr Michelo and Ms. Priscilla as well as Mr. Mundia’s brother, Dr. Simakando Silongwa, to have them taken for proper medical attention have allegedly been obstructed. 

It is further claimed that ZAWA officers attempted to have the suspects treated at Winela Clinic without a police report, an action challenged by Dr. Simakando. Upon learning from the clinical officer that no police report had been provided and that the clinic had not been informed of any assault, ZAWA officers reportedly returned the detainees to the correctional facility.

We hereby appeal to the Government of the Republic of Zambia, under the leadership of His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema, as well as relevant NGOs and human rights organisations, to initiate an independent investigation into the matter. Investigators should engage the affected community in Sihendo Village, Sikongo District, to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident, particularly as the six individuals have since been charged with obstruction and assault.

Failure to intervene may result in the wrongful punishment of innocent villagers. We call for transparency, accountability, and justice win this matter.