In a pivotal development in the abduction case of Sun Pharmaceuticals Ltd directors Vinod and Uddit Sadhu, the Attorney General has publicly acknowledged the existence of a covert intelligence facility in Kalundu, Lusaka. This revelation marks a significant shift in the narrative surrounding the Sadhus’ abduction, as it is now confirmed that they were taken to this facility during their unlawful detention.
For the first time, the Attorney General admits that the abduction of the Sadhus was a “joint operation” conducted by the police in conjunction with the Office of the President. Previously, the Attorney General’s defense claimed that the Sadhus were taken directly from the Department of Immigration to the Chelstone Police Station, but the recent admission comes after compelling evidence was presented to the High Court. This evidence includes geolocation data identifying the Kalundu site, an SOS message sent from within the facility, and the identification of an intelligence officer who supervised the abduction.
Initially, in January 2024, the Attorney General contended that the Sadhus voluntarily participated in police interviews and denied any confinement at the Kalundu facility or subsequent detention at Chelstone Police Station. It was claimed that the Sadhus left the police station at 17:20 hours on the same day. However, the amended defense now acknowledges that the Sadhus were actually taken from Immigration Headquarters to House No. 39, Lufubu Road, before their detention at Chelstone Police Station, citing a previously undisclosed arrest warrant. This marks the first time in two years that an arrest warrant has been mentioned, although it has yet to be submitted to the High Court.
The Sadhus have vehemently denied ever being served an arrest warrant, and the Attorney General has failed to provide proof of its existence or service in the latest defense submission. The Attorney General now claims that the purpose of the detention was to secure a Warn and Caution statement, which the Sadhus assert would likely be fabricated by colluding party affiliates and police personnel. Notably, the Attorney General has not submitted any Warn and Caution statement to the court.
Further complicating the case, the Attorney General has amended his defense to concede that the Sadhus were invited to the Immigration Headquarters on 29 September 2022 by the Director General of Immigration, Dr. Lishomwa. This contradicts earlier claims that the Attorney General was unaware of how the Sadhus came to be at the Immigration department. The amended defense asserts that the invitation was routine and led to the issuance of a residence permit to the second plaintiff, while the first plaintiff’s Certificate of Established Resident was finalized following internal processes.
Questions remain regarding the Office of the President’s involvement in what appears to be a commercial matter already subject to extensive litigation. The Sadhus have received multiple favorable judgments from the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court over the years.
Adding further complexity to the trial is the Attorney General’s decision to represent Rashid Munali, the first defendant in the case and an alleged member of the ruling party. Munali is accused of orchestrating the operation on the day of the abduction. There are concerns that if the Attorney General were to withdraw his defense of Munali or the other defendants, who are being sued in their individual capacities, it could lead to the revelation of state officials implicated in targeting the Sadhus and Sun Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Munali has now been included in the State’s witness list as an alleged officer of the Zambia Police.
The Attorney General continues to maintain that members of the Kalenga family were not present at Chelstone when the Sadhus were transported there following the discovery of the SOS message. However, reports suggest that the Kalenga family has released photographs from Chelstone and engaged with the media, claiming their presence on that day alongside Munali and his associates. This evidence may soon be submitted to the court by the Sadhus, further complicating an already intricate legal battle.
As the case unfolds, the implications of the Attorney General’s admissions raise serious questions about the rule of law and the conduct of state officials in Zambia. The coming weeks will be critical as the High Court continues to examine the evidence surrounding this extraordinary abduction case.
