PHOTOGRAPHER Cornelius Tukuta has asked the Lusaka High Court to grant him leave to issue a writ of habeas corpus ad-subjiciendum, compelling Zambia Police Service to present him before court.
Tukuta says since he was apprehended on June 17, this year, he has not appeared before any court to answer to any charge, nor has he been granted police bond.
He has cited the Attorney General as the respondent.
According to an affidavit in support of exparte summons for leave to issue writ of habeas corpus ad-subjiciendum, Tukuta, through his lawyer Linda Kasonde, stated that he was apprehended on June 17 this year around 22:00 hours and was held in custody at Lusaka Central Police Station from June 18, 2020 to June 22, 2020.
He added that he was formally arrested and charged with four counts of criminal libel on Friday June 19, while at Lusaka Central Police.
Tukuta stated that on June 22, around 04:30 hours, he was taken to Ndola Central police where he has been in custody to date.
“That since the applicant was apprehended on June 17, 20202 he has not appeared before any court to answer to any charge or at all. The applicant has not been granted police bond,” read the affidavit.
Tukuta was arrested in connection with some alleged derogatory remarks he allegedly produced and posted on social media against Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Dora Siliya, Zambia Revenue Authority Commissioner General (ZRA) Kingsley Chanda, Northern Province Permanent Secretary Charles Sipanje and Former Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations Amos Chanda.
