The Human Rights Commission has instituted investigations into the death of a ZAF officer who died at Woodlands Police on Saturday citing negligence.

In a statement today, HRC spokesperson Mweelwa Muleya stated that HRC would establish who murdered the ZAF officer between police and the inmates.

“What is clear and in the public domain, and not in dispute so far is the fact that the ZAF officer, Sergeant Mark Choongwa, died after being brutally beaten. What seems to be in dispute is whether or not he was beaten by either the inmates or the Police Officers at Woodlands Police Station. In either case, the right to life as guaranteed by Article 12 of the Constitution of Zambia has been violated and suspects must be subjected to an impartial, fair and transparent due process of the law in accordance with Article 18 of the Constitution of Zambia, after being appropriately charged so that justice is done,” Muleya stated.

“The Commission has keenly followed the media statements from both the Zambia Police Service and the relatives of the deceased and is conducting its own independent investigations and come up with its findings and recommendations on the matter.”

He reminded police of their responsibility to protect people under their custody.

“It is the responsibility of the State to protect the rights of persons in their custody, including from harm arising from third parties such as inmates. Where any arbitrariness has occurred such as in the death of the ZAF officer, the State has an obligation to effectively and promptly take necessary steps to secure appropriate redress to victims and/or their families and to also punish perpetrators of human rights violations to end impunity,” he stated.

“Acts of torture, either by State or non-state actors are a violation of the right to protection from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment under the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment as well as under Article 15 of the Zambian Constitution.”

Muleya said the commission would ensure that justice was served because it was clear that Sergeant Choongwa died after being brutally beaten.

Meanwhile Muleya stated that findings on the death of a 26-year-old man, Kelvin Kabango, who died in Kabwe General Hospital on March 9 after being allegely tortured by police would soon be released.

“The Commission is also investigating the death of a 26 years old man, Kelvin Kabango, who died in Kabwe General Hospital on 9th March 2017, after allegedly being tortured by the Police Officers at Landless Corner Police Post in Chisamba District to compel him to confess having stolen farming equipment. Investigations have so far reached an advanced stage and the findings will be released as soon as investigations are finalized,” stated Muleya.